China’s presence at Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea ‘unprecedented’ in 2025: report

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Alyssa ChenJanuary 30, 2026 at 09:14 AM

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A new report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) indicates that China significantly increased its patrols in the South China Sea in 2025. The report, based on Automatic Identification System data, highlights an "unprecedented" near year-round presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG) at contested sites like Scarborough Shoal. The analysis measured CCG presence using ship days and calendar days, revealing patrols observed on 352 calendar days near Scarborough Shoal. This increased presence is interpreted as an effort by China to assert its maritime claims in the region. The AMTI is a research program affiliated with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 60% Centre for Strategic and International Studies 60% Sabina Shoal 70% Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) ×280% China Coast Guard (CCG) ×385% South China Sea ×290% China ×490% Scarborough Shoal ×495%

Keywords

south china sea 100% china 90% scarborough shoal 90% maritime claims 70% patrols 70% china coast guard 60% maritime transparency 50% amti 50% ship days 40% calendar days 40%