Key facts
- China's military and coast guard conducted patrols near Scarborough Shoal.
- The patrols followed joint U.S.-Philippine naval drills in the area.
- China stated the patrols aimed to safeguard its sovereignty and enhance law enforcement.
- Two People's Liberation Army Navy vessels arrived in Hong Kong.
- The PLA Navy vessels are in Hong Kong for a five-day port call.
- Tickets for public tours of the PLA Navy ships sold out within four minutes.
- Public interest in tours of the PLA Navy ships was high.
China's military and coast guard have conducted patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal. This action follows joint naval drills conducted by the U.S. and the Philippines in the same vicinity. Beijing has stated that the purpose of these patrols is to safeguard its sovereignty and to enhance its law enforcement capabilities in the region.