China marked National Day with a flag-raising ceremony aboard a coast guard ship near Scarborough Shoal, a flashpoint claimed by both Beijing and Manila. The display of authority — accompanied by a vow to “stand guard” — comes amid Chinese plans for a nature reserve at the atoll and follows years of confrontations at sea, even as neither side’s clashes have escalated into open armed conflict.

Ceremony And Message

Video posted by China’s Coast Guard on Douyin shows officers on the rear deck of patrol vessel Dahao (3304) saluting as the flag is raised. Subtitles declare: “We stand guard over these blue waters, assuring the nation of our unwavering commitment.” fThe ship — previously challenged by the Philippine Coast Guard for “illegal” presence at the shoal, called Huangyan Island by China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines — appears as part of a continuing patrol pattern. Philippine authorities did not immediately comment.

Manila’s Legal Position

China has effectively controlled the triangular feature since a 2012 standoff, maintaining a deployment of coast guard and fishing trawlers. A 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling held that China’s blockade violated international law because Scarborough is a traditional fishing ground for several countries — including the Philippines and Vietnam — but the tribunal did not adjudicate sovereignty over the shoal. Tensions rose again in September when Beijing floated a “national” nature reserve at the site, a move that angered Manila.

Rising Patrols And Risk Of Clashes

Beijing says it has stepped up “law-enforcement inspections” around the shoal to expel “illegal” entries, while the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command reports reinforced naval and air patrols since last month to counter “infringement provocations.”
Encounters around Scarborough Shoal in recent years have included water cannon, boat-ramming, and tight manoeuvres that Manila deems dangerous; aircraft have also shadowed Philippine flights. Yet despite mutual accusations of trespass and provocation, incidents have not crossed into armed conflict.