China conducted naval and air patrols around the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, Reuters reported.
The shoal is located in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. However, Beijing claims it as its territory.
China increased combat readiness patrols in the area in January, countering provocations to violate the rights of individual countries in the region.
The military forces of the Philippines and the United States held joint exercises in the Scarborough Shoal area earlier this week. It was the 11th such exercise since November 2023.