China’s military and coast ‌guard conducted patrols in the airspace and waters near the disputed ​Scarborough Shoal in the ​South China Sea on Thursday, ⁠separate statements showed. Tensions have ​recently flared between China and the ​Philippines amid repeated maritime disputes and confrontations in the South China ​Sea, which China claims almost ​entirely as its own despite overlapping ‌claims ⁠by Southeast Asian nations. China’s Coast Guard said in a statement it took necessary measures, including ​a ​verbal warning, ⁠blocking and water cannon shooting in accordance ​with the law and ​regulations ⁠to expel illegal and harassing vessels. The Philippine embassy in Beijing ⁠did ​not immediately respond ​to a request for comment.

Full report : China’s military, coast guard, patrol contested shoal in South China Sea.