South China Sea flashpoint returns as China and Philippines trade signals

China’s military and coast guard conducted patrols near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move that came shortly after the Philippines reiterated concerns about what it described as continuing security threats from Beijing. According to a Reuters report, the patrols followed a five-day joint maritime exercise by Philippine and US forces near the same waters. The drills, which concluded on Saturday, were aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation, improving interoperability and enhancing awareness of activities in the region. The developments unfolded as defence ministers, military officials and policymakers gathered in Singapore for the Shangri-La…