Beijing: In a move signaling China’s resolve to maintain control over disputed territories, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command has announced plans for joint military exercises aimed at managing potential escalations in the South China Sea. These exercises, termed “joint air and sea combat patrols,” underscore China’s strategic approach to assert its presence in the region.
The announcement comes on the heels of a joint declaration by defense leaders from the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia, signaling their intent to conduct collaborative drills in the same area. These exercises, framed within the context of a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” emphasize the collective commitment to uphold principles such as “freedom of navigation” and “respect for maritime rights under international law.”
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Motivation Behind the ‘Combat Patrols’
According to insights from the South China Morning Post, China views certain military activities in the region as attempts to disrupt stability and incite tension. The PLA’s initiative to conduct joint air and sea patrols is aimed at addressing these perceived threats, with an emphasis on maintaining control over the situation. Notably, the participation of two Philippine warships, along with vessels from Japan and Australia, underscores the multinational dynamics at play in the region.
Three-Party Summit Led by the US
China’s announcement coincides with a forthcoming summit involving the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, where recent developments in the South China Sea will likely feature prominently. President Joe Biden’s scheduled meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House signify a coordinated effort to address regional concerns.
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Accusations and Concerns
The Philippines has accused China of obstructing resupply missions for one of its navy transport ships, the BRP Sierra Madre, which Beijing alleges entered its territory illegally. These allegations further exacerbate tensions between Manila and Beijing regarding the South China Sea dispute, adding to the complex web of territorial and economic claims in the region.
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Background on the South China Sea Dispute
The South China Sea remains a focal point of contention, with overlapping territorial claims and disputes over maritime resources. China’s expansive claims, epitomized by the controversial nine-dash line, have faced international scrutiny despite being rejected by an arbitral tribunal. Shoals, reefs, and islands in the region continue to be sources of contention, reflecting the broader geopolitical complexities at play.
