Tensions Rise: China Expels Philippine Vessels from Scarborough Shoal

In a recent development, China's coast guard announced it had taken necessary measures to expel Philippine vessels from the waters around Scarborough Shoal, a contested area in the South China Sea.

According to a statement from the coast guard, the vessels were monitored and intercepted after ignoring initial warnings, leading to their removal in what the agency described as a 'professional, standardised, legitimate and legal' operation.

The Philippine embassy in China has not provided any comments following an emailed request for information regarding the incident. This event adds to the growing tensions in the region over territorial disputes.

(With inputs from agencies.)