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

“This was law enforcement activity carried out by the Chinese Maritime Police in accordance with the law.”

The patrol comes less than a week after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr signed the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelago Seaways Act, enshrining Manila’s claims to the South China Sea into domestic law.

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