China's military and coast guard conducted joint air and naval combat drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal to test combat readiness. The maneuvers follow heightened tensions with the Philippines, whose designated territorial baselines China declared illegal. Alongside the drills, China implemented a new environmental policy banning unauthorized fishing and mining in the area, backed by active coast guard enforcement and water cannon deployments.
Scarborough Shoal military drills
- ▪The Chinese military described the Scarborough Shoal drills as a necessary response to actions by certain countries that undermine regional peace and stability.
- ▪The Chinese military stated that the drills aimed to test and improve the combat readiness of China's forces to defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
- ▪The Chinese military and China Coast Guard conducted joint air and naval combat drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal on July 30, 2026, and August 1, 2026.
China-Philippines territorial dispute
- ▪The Chinese military declared that the territorial sea baselines of Scarborough Shoal designated by the Philippines are illegal and invalid.
- ▪The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Chinese military drills around Scarborough Shoal.
Huangyan Island nature reserve policy
- ▪The new Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve policy bans unauthorized fishing, mining, coral or giant clam extraction, and other harmful activities.
- ▪China issued a new policy on August 1, 2026, for the administration of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve, which was established in September 2025.
China Coast Guard enforcement operations
- ▪The China Coast Guard stated it used verbal warnings, blocking, and water cannons to expel illegal and harassing vessels near Scarborough Shoal.
- ▪The China Coast Guard conducted a rights-protection and law enforcement drill near Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2026.
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