China says Philippines is stoking tensions with large-scale Scarborough Shoal drill

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Cao JiaxuanJanuary 30, 2026 at 02:00 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

China has accused the Philippines of escalating tensions in the South China Sea after Manila announced military exercises near Scarborough Shoal from January 21 to March 31. The Philippines issued a notice regarding a large area north of the shoal for military activities. China's defense ministry spokesman Jiang Bin stated that the Philippines is using the drill as a pretext to encroach upon the shoal and provoke tensions. This comes after the Philippines conducted a joint maritime operation with the United States in the South China Sea, which Beijing condemned. The situation could test China's ability to manage external challenges amid internal investigations of senior military officials.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Philippine civil aviation authority 40% United States 50% Jiang Bin 60% Scarborough Shoal ×270% South China Sea ×280% China ×590% Philippines ×590%

Keywords

maritime tensions 90% south china sea 80% scarborough shoal 70% military exercises 70% china 70% philippines 70% joint maritime operation 60% regional peace 50% external powers 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

China

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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maritime tensions south china sea scarborough shoal military exercises china philippines joint maritime operation regional peace external powers

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