China conducted patrols around Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea, state media reports

China's coast guard conducted patrols around the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Friday to safeguard China's territorial rights, state television CCTV reported.

The coast guard has continued to strengthen law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters and surrounding areas of Scarborough Shoal since December.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not respond immediately to a request for comment.