China raised its flag on a coast guard ship near disputed Scarborough Shoal, intensifying tensions with the Philippines.

China held a National Day flag-raising ceremony on a coast guard vessel near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, reinforcing its presence in the area. The event, filmed on the Dahao (3304) and shared on Douyin, featured officers saluting as the Chinese flag was raised. The shoal, claimed by both China and the Philippines, remains under de facto Chinese control since a 2012 standoff. Tensions escalated in September after China proposed a national nature reserve there. The 2016 arbitral ruling favored the Philippines on certain issues but did not resolve sovereignty. Both sides have engaged in confrontational maritime activities, including water cannon use and close maneuvers, without armed conflict. China says it has increased inspections and patrols, citing the need to respond to provocations.