Competing naval exercises got underway in the South China Sea this week, further raising tensions in a region marked by overlapping territorial claims.
The Philippine Navy cooperated with allies in carrying out a maritime cooperative activity (MCA) exercise, which focused on search and rescue operations, deck landings, and surface operations. The vessels involved were:
- The Philippines: BRP Emilio Jacinto and BRP Antonio Luna
- United States: USS Howard (destroyer)
- Australia: HMAS Sydney (destroyer)
- New Zealand: HMNZS Aotearoa (auxiliary)
- Japan: JS Sazanami (destroyer)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed that Chinese vessels trailed its joint exercises during the weekend. However, a spokesperson said there was no interference.
Meanwhile, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) announced that its vessels participated in a range of drills about 100 nautical miles away around the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both the Philippines and China.
Philippine army spokespeople challenged the statement, saying they didn’t detect Chinese vessels. However, later reports quoted local fishing crews complaining that their access is limited because of a high number of PLAN vessels around the shoal.
The PLAN’s Southern Theater Command said in a statement that the exercises were “routine” and focused on “reconnaissance and early warning, sea and air patrols.”
The Chinese military obliquely criticized the participation of U.S. and other navies in the nearby exercises, saying: “Some countries outside the region are disrupting the South China Sea and creating regional instability.”
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The fact that these exercises have become routine on both sides shows how regional tensions remain constantly elevated, creating the ongoing danger of a flareup.
SUGGESTED READING:
- The Maritime Executive: China and U.S. Allies Hold Competing Naval Drills in South China Sea
- South China Morning Post: Scarborough Shoal ‘Completely Surrounded’ by Chinese Ships, Filipino Fishers Say by Sam Beltran
