China's Strategic Posturing in the South China Sea Intensifies

China has deployed two H-6 bombers around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, asserting its sovereignty claims. This move precedes a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Philippines. The deployment escalates tensions in the region between China and the U.S.-backed Philippines.

China has intensified its strategic military presence in the South China Sea by deploying two long-range H-6 bombers near Scarborough Shoal, satellite images obtained by Reuters reveal. The deployment follows an unpublicized move by Beijing to assert control over the atoll ahead of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to the Philippines, a mutual claimant of the shoal.

As U.S.-Philippine defense ties are reaffirmed, China's Ministry of Defense remained silent on inquiries about the timing of the deployment. Satellite imagery captured by Maxar Technologies on Monday shows the bombers in proximity to the disputed area. Analysts suggest that the timing of these flights sends a deliberate message about China's advanced military capabilities.

Beijing's increased military activity comes amidst frequent maritime clashes and a 2016 arbitration tribunal ruling against China's territorial claims. China's Ministry of Defense insists military drills are meant to safeguard national security, though such movements heighten regional tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)