Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrol around disputed Scarborough Shoal

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — A Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine boat are seen near the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, February 22, 2024. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS

BEIJING  -  The Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command said its naval and air forces have carried out a combat readiness patrol around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Thursday.

It said in a statement that its forces have been conducting such patrols around the shoal since June, in efforts to strengthen control of relevant sea and airspace and to "resolutely defend national sovereignty and security".

The shoal is one of many features in the South China Sea that China and the Philippines contest territorial claims over. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

 (Reporting by Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Alex Richardson // REUTERS)