China mobilizes fighters and bombers along the atoll disputed with Philippines

Na statement quoted by official news agency Xinhua, the Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army (ELP) stated that since September, its forces have “strengthened” patrols in the waters and airspace of Huangyan Dao, named by China for Scarborough atoll, and in the surrounding areas.

According to the ELP, patrols are intended to “strengthen further control of the corresponding waters and airspace” and constitute an “effective countermeasure” in the face of “all kinds of violations of rights and acts of provocation” in an indirect reference to the Philippines.

“Huangyan Dao is inherent territory of China (...). South Theater Command forces will firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty and security and will resolutely defend peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he said.

Images released by Xinhua show several types of military aircraft, including fighters equipped with long-range missiles and bombers, as well as warships near the atoll.

Patrols took place only three days after naval and air units of the ELP had performed a “joint training exercise” in the same area.

The authorities of Manila maintain that Scarborough, known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc, and another disputed atoll, Second Thomas, are within its exclusive economic zone (ZEE), a 200 nautical mile range which, under international law, gives the country rights to exploit resources.

The territorial dispute between Beijing and Manila has intensified since the arrival of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022, who strengthened the military alliance with the United States and took a firmer position in maritime disputes with China.

Tensions have increased in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims almost all maritime extension and maintains territorial disputes with several countries in the region.

The area concentrates around 12% of world fishing reserves, has potential oil reserves and is a key route for international trade.