The USS Higgins’ operation—the first known in the shoal’s waters for at least six years—on Wednesday, August 13th, came a day after the Philippines accused Chinese ships of “dangerous manoeuvres” during a resupply mission nearby.
China’s Southern Theatre Command said the vessel entered “without approval,” violating Chinese sovereignty and undermining regional stability. The U.S. Seventh Fleet said it was asserting navigational rights “in accordance with international law” and vowed such operations would continue.
The Scarborough Shoal is a longstanding flashpoint in the South China Sea, a major trade route claimed by China and contested by several neighbours. Manila also reported this week that two Chinese vessels collided there, while Beijing said it had taken “necessary measures” to remove Philippine ships from the area.
