China's Military says they conducted combat readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal, according to a statement

China's military conducting combat readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal signals increased tension in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes are common. This escalation could heighten risks in regional trade and impact commodities, particularly oil and natural gas, while also influencing market perceptions around risk and safe-haven assets like gold and the yen.