China holds flag-raising near disputed South China Sea atoll

Coast Guard officers standing in formation on the rear deck of the patrol vessel Dahao (3304) saluted as the Chinese flag was raised, a video showed in a Coast Guard posting on Wednesday on social media.

"We stand guard over these blue waters, assuring the nation of our unwavering commitment," the video subtitles read.

CCG vessel 3304 had been previously challenged by the Philippine Coast Guard for its "illegal presence" at the shoal, which China calls Huangyan Island while in the Philippines it is known as the Panatag Shoal.