“The China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters of China’s Huangyan Island and its surroundings,” the Chinese Coast Guard said, referring to Scarborough Shoal, known as Panatag Shoal in the Philippines.

“This was a law enforcement activity carried out in accordance with the law by the Chinese maritime police.”

The patrol comes less than a week after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr signed the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelago Maritime Routes Act, which codified Manila’s claims in the South China Sea.

The United States has expressed its support for the Philippine legislation, saying other countries have passed similar laws.