China conducts naval, air patrols around disputed South China Sea shoal
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China stepped up combat readiness patrols around the Scarborough Shoal in January.
PHOTO: REUTERS
China conducted naval and air patrols around the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Jan 31, the China Southern Theatre Command said.
The shoal is in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, but China also claims it as part of its territory.
The Philippine Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China has stepped up combat readiness patrols in the area in January, “resolutely countering the infringement provocations of individual countries within the region”, the post said.
The militaries of the Philippines and the US carried out joint exercises in the Scarborough Shoal area
