BEIJING, China: China's military and coast guard said on June 30 that they carried out patrols in the waters around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea to protect Beijing's territorial claims over the area.

The Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army said its navy and air force carried out combat-readiness patrols in the waters and airspace around the shoal.

Scarborough Shoal, which China calls "Huangyan Dao," is claimed by both China and the Philippines and is among the most disputed maritime areas in Southeast Asia.

In a separate statement, the China Coast Guard (CCG) said it also carried out law-enforcement patrols in the waters and nearby areas of the shoal. It added that patrols have been increased this month and that ships involved in "illegal rights-violation activities" have been regulated, but it did not provide further details.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the patrols by the Chinese military and coast guard.

The patrols on June 30 took place after joint military drills by the United States and the Philippines in the waters near Scarborough Shoal over the weekend. Washington said these drills showed their shared commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In response, China's military said on June 29 that it had carried out a routine patrol in the South China Sea over the weekend. It also accused the Philippines of involving countries from outside the region in patrols, saying this harms regional peace and stability.

In recent years, Beijing has increased its claims over Scarborough Shoal, including by creating a national nature reserve there. The Philippines criticized this move, calling it a "clear excuse for occupation."

Earlier this month, the Philippines said China had placed a floating platform at the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in late May but later removed it. China said that any activities it carries out there, including scientific research, are within the legal rights of a sovereign country.