China's Cost Effective Provocation: A New Low at Scarborough Shoal The incident at Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese armed trainer jets chased away Philippine aircraft, has raised more questions than answers about Beijing's intentions in the disputed waters.
On the surface, this appears to be a brazen display of military might by China, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a more calculated approach.
By deploying JL 10s carrying PL 5 missiles, China may have found a cheaper way to assert its claim over Scarborough Shoal.