China is taking steps to block access to a disputed area of water in the South China Sea. New satellite images show boats 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 entrance, a floating barrier stretches across it and a Chinese naval or coast guard ship was also seen nearby.
Scarborough Shoal is one of the most disputed maritime sites in Asia. Diplomats and analysts have warned that tensions there could one day lead to armed conflict.
The sandbar lies entirely within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. But China also claims it as its own territory. China has controlled it since it seized it in 2012 after a confrontation with Philippine vessels.
A spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard said China installed the 352-meter floating barrier on April 10 and 11, adding that six Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted inside the sandbar. Three more were seen outside, appearing to block the entrance.
The Philippines has removed similar barriers in the past. The latter appears to have been removed over the weekend. But Philippine Navy patrols continue in the area.
Last year, China declared the sandbar a national nature reserve. Philippine security officials called it a move toward occupation.
Thousands of American and Filipino troops will begin large-scale exercises across the Philippines this month. Some exercises will be carried out in Zambales, about 120 nautical miles from the shoal.
Diplomats say the situation is being watched closely because they fear China could act more boldly as the United States focuses on tensions in the Middle East.
