Beijing stages ‘combat readiness’ patrols at Scarborough Shoal in disputed South China Sea
China carried out fresh naval and air patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, in a move likely to heighten tensions with the Philippines and its treaty ally, the United States.China’s Southern Theater Command said warships and military aircraft conducted “combat readiness” patrols around Scarborough Shoal on Saturday, framing the operation…