BEIJING: China recently conducted military exercises in the South China Sea, showcasing fighter jets firing missiles in the disputed waters. These drills come in the wake of tense standoffs between China and the Philippines, which involved collisions between vessels and the use of water cannons by Chinese ships against Philippine boats. The release of footage showing the “live fire drills” by state broadcaster CCTV and the Chinese military coincided with the announcement of a deployment of China’s navy and air force in the South China Sea.
The military exercises by China were held in the same period as a two-day exercise by the United States and the Philippines in the disputed waters. The US stated that the drills aimed to enhance coordination on maritime domain awareness and shared security interests. The exercises took place between the Recto Bank and Scarborough Shoal, where clashes occurred last month. China condemned these exercises as “provocative military activities” and accused the US and the Philippines of flaunting their military might.
Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea, disregarding an international tribunal ruling that declared its assertions to have no legal basis. To reinforce its claims, China has deployed boats to patrol the busy waterway and has constructed artificial islands, which it has militarized. While China typically relies on its coast guard to enforce its claims, military exercises in the area are not uncommon. However, the public announcement of such exercises is rare, indicating China’s intention to project its presence in the South China Sea.
According to Michael Raska, an assistant professor and military expert at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, China aims to establish the South China Sea as a Chinese-controlled waterway and a strategic chokepoint for other countries. Beijing’s navy routinely shadows US aircraft carriers in the region and monitors multilateral military activities. Duan Dang, a Vietnam-based maritime analyst focusing on the South China Sea, noted the rarity of China’s public announcement of the recent exercise and highlighted China’s efforts to maintain control and influence in the area.
China has placed blame on the Philippines for the spike in tensions, accusing Manila of reneging on its words, changing its policy, and infringing on China’s sovereignty. The Chinese foreign ministry has warned that China will take resolute measures against any violation of its sovereignty and provocation, firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
The South China Sea remains a contentious region, with multiple countries asserting their claims and engaging in military activities. The recent military exercises by China and the US-Philippines joint drills further exacerbate tensions in the area. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for all relevant countries to exercise caution, respect the efforts of regional countries to maintain peace and stability, and work towards peaceful resolutions of the disputes in the South China Sea.
In conclusion, China’s military drills in the South China Sea, along with the joint exercises by the US and the Philippines, have heightened tensions in the region. China’s aim to establish control and projection of power in the South China Sea is evident through its military activities and territorial claims. The international community must closely monitor the situation and encourage diplomatic efforts to resolve the disputes peacefully, ensuring the stability and security of the region.
Source: The Manila Times
