BEIJING: China conducted military “combat patrols” in South China Sea on Sunday, as announced by its army, coinciding with joint drills held by the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia on the same day.
The announcement followed a declaration by defence chiefs from four countries, including the Philippines, to conduct joint drills in the area. Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command stated that it was organizing “joint naval and air combat patrols in the South China Sea” to manage military activities and prevent the escalation of tensions.
These exercises occurred just days before US President Joe Biden’s planned trilateral summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan. US officials have reiterated their commitment to defending the Philippines against armed aggression in the South China Sea, a stance that has raised concerns in Beijing.
China asserts territorial sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea and has become more assertive in the region in recent years. China’s Coast Guard stated that it had managed a situation at a disputed reef involving Philippine ships engaged in what China deemed “illegal” operations.
The joint drills conducted by the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia aim to ensure freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the region, according to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The drills, known as “Maritime Cooperative Activity,” involve naval and air force units from all four countries, with specific training in anti-submarine warfare mentioned by the Japanese embassy in Manila.
These developments come amidst ongoing discussions between the Philippines and Japan regarding a defence pact that would enable troop deployments in each other’s territory, similar to existing agreements with Australia and the United States.
