China Claims Expanded Control Zone Around Scarborough Shoal, Shows WZ-7 Drone

Following boarding and enforcement drills at Scarborough Shoal on Sep 27, Chinese state media claimed Beijing has extended control of several contested maritime features beyond 24 nautical miles. Chinese forces publicly showcased a Guizhou WZ-7 Soaring Dragon drone at the shoal for the first time, with Type 054A frigates, a Type 056A corvette and a Type 908 replenishment vessel taking part, per imagery reported by USNI News.