Pakistan, Oct. 1 -- China's coast guard held a National Day flag-raising ceremony aboard a patrol vessel in the contested waters of Scarborough Shoal, vowing to "stand guard" over the disputed atoll. The move has heightened tensions with the Philippines, which also claims the triangular feature in the South China Sea but has little control over it. Officers in formation saluted as the Chinese flag was raised, underscoring Beijing's intent to maintain dominance in the strategic waterway.

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Scarborough Shoal has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing, with both sides trading accusations of trespassing and provocation. Although a 2016 international tri...