China deploys aircraft carrier along Philippine coast as SCS tension rises

CHINA deployed its second aircraft carrier 'Shandong', which was spotted patrolling waters off the Philippine coast as Manila stepped up efforts to assert its claims over a shoal in the disputed South China Sea (SCS) firmly opposing Beijing's counterclaims.

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Shandong serves as deterrence against "continuous Philippine provocations" on Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea, Global Times reported on Monday.

The aircraft carrier is likely on a scheduled exercise that could also prepare it for a potential far sea voyage into the West Pacific, it quoted Chinese experts as saying.