China plans 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 Reef.
The images obtained by Reuters were taken on April 10 and 11, 2026. They show four fishing boats anchored near the entrance, a floating barrier passes through it and a Chinese navy or coast guard vessel was also spotted nearby.
The Scarborough Shoal is one of the most contested maritime sites in Asia. Diplomats and analysts have warned that tensions could one day lead to armed conflict.
The shoal lies entirely within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. But China also claims it as its own territory. China has controlled it since seizing it in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine ships.
A Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson said China installed the 352-meter floating barrier on April 10 and 11, adding that six Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted inside the shoal. Three other people were seen outside, appearing to block the entrance.
The Philippines has already removed similar barriers. The latter appears to have been deleted over the weekend. But Philippine Navy patrols continue in the area.
Last year, China declared the shoal a national nature reserve. Philippine security officials called it a move toward occupation.
Thousands of U.S. and Filipino troops are expected to begin large-scale exercises across the Philippines this month. Some exercises will take place in Zambales, approximately 120 nautical miles from the shoal.
Diplomats say the situation is being closely monitored because they fear China will act more boldly as the United States focuses on tensions in the Middle East.
