At a July 30 press briefing, China's defense ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Philippine government vessels repeatedly intruded into waters around Scarborough Shoal and were lawfully expelled by the China Coast Guard. He criticised Philippine–U.S.–Japan "joint patrols" in the area, saying defence cooperation should not target third parties or harm regional stability. Jiang reiterated Scarborough Shoal is China’s inherent territory and outside Philippine territory as defined by treaties, and sai

At a July 30 press briefing, China's defense ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Philippine government vessels repeatedly intruded into waters around Scarborough Shoal and were lawfully expelled by the China Coast Guard. He criticised Philippine–U.S.–Japan "joint patrols" in the area, saying defence cooperation should not target third parties or harm regional stability. Jiang reiterated Scarborough Shoal is China’s inherent territory and outside Philippine territory as defined by treaties, and said Philippine manoeuvres will not change that fact. He added the Chinese military remains on high alert and will resolutely counter any infringements to defend territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and maintain South China Sea stability.