China conducted naval and air patrols around the Scarborough Shoal on Saturday, amid heightened tensions in the disputed South China Sea, Chinese military officials said.

China’s military and coast guard conducted patrols around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Saturday.

Editor's note: Faig Mahmudov is an Azerbaijan-based journalist. The article expresses the author's personal opinion and may not coincide with the view of News.Az.

China’s Coast Guard fired water cannon on Tuesday at more than 10 Philippine vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, accusing Manila of “illegal” intrusion and alleging that one of its ships rammed a Chinese vessel.

The Philippines on Thursday condemned China’s plan to establish a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, calling it a “clear pretext for occupation” and a violation of international law.

The standoff near the Scarborough Shoal marks the latest escalation in the ongoing territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

Chinese forces have begun patrolling the waters near the disputed Huangyan (Scarborough Reef) islands in the South China Sea, the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army said.