China coast guard patrols Huangyan Dao

The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Hailing conducts a law enforcement drill in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao on Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Hailing patrols in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao on Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

A small boat released by the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Wanshan conducts a law enforcement drill in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Zhongsha patrols in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao on Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Zhongsha conducts a law enforcement drill in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao on Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

Small boats released by the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Wanshan conduct a law enforcement drill in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

A law enforcer aboard the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Wanshan issues navigation orders during a patrol mission in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Dahao patrols in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao on Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

A Chinese fishing vessel is pictured during its operates in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao on Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

A law enforcer aboard the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Wanshan issues warning messages during a patrol mission in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

A law enforcer aboard the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Wanshan watches out during a patrol mission in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)

A law enforcer aboard the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Wanshan watches out during a patrol mission in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Yifan/Xinhua)