China has expressed strong disapproval of what it describes as “provocative” military activities by the United States and its ally, the Philippines, in the disputed South China Sea. This condemnation comes as both countries conducted their own naval exercises in the region, heightening tensions.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command of China announced a two-day deployment involving its navy and air force, which it characterized as “routine patrols”. The exact locations or specific objectives of these Chinese exercises were not disclosed. Concurrently, the United States revealed that the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group was engaged in a two-day drill with the Philippine Navy.
China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, has frequently been at odds with international rulings that deny legal basis to its assertions. The country has fortified its presence in the area by deploying patrol boats and constructing militarized artificial islands.
The recent Chinese military exercises included what state broadcaster CCTV described as a “live fire drill”, showcasing aircraft and missile firings. These drills follow a series of tense encounters between China and the Philippines in the region, including vessel collisions and confrontations involving water cannons.
In response to the recent escalations, China accused the Philippines of provoking complex situations and pledged to take “resolute measures” against any violations of its sovereignty. The appointment of Dong Jun, a former navy chief, as Beijing’s defense minister, is seen as a significant development in the context of these ongoing tensions.
