The Chinese military conducted routine naval and air patrols around a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on August 1, 2026, to assert territorial control.
The move follows new regulations issued by Beijing regarding the Huangyan Dao reserve, further straining diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
Experts note the deployment of Type 071 amphibious transport docks and H-6K bombers is intended to counter recent trilateral activities involving the US and regional allies.