China is moving to block access to a disputed area of water in the South China Sea. New satellite images show ships and a floating barrier at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal.
The images obtained by Reuters were taken on April 10 and 11, 2026. They show four fishing boats anchored near the inlet, a floating barrier stretches across it, and a Chinese navy or coast guard ship was also seen nearby.
Scarborough Shoal is one of Asia’s most disputed maritime sites. Diplomats and analysts have warned that tensions there could one day lead to armed conflict.
The trail sits right inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. But China also claims it as its own territory. China has controlled it since its seizure in 2012 after a battle with Philippine ships.
A Philippine Coast Guard spokesman said China installed the 352-meter-long floating barrier on April 10 and 11, adding that six Chinese maritime militia vessels were seen inside the shoal. Three more were seen outside, appearing to block the entrance.
The Philippines has removed similar barriers in the past. This latest one appears to have been removed over the weekend. However, Philippine naval patrols continue in the area.
Last year, China declared the shoal a national nature reserve. Philippine security officials called it a step toward occupation.
Thousands of US and Filipino troops are to begin major exercises across the Philippines this month. Some exercises will take place in Zambales, about 120 nautical miles from the shoal.
Diplomats say the situation is being watched closely as they fear China may act more boldly while the US is focused on tensions in the Middle East.
