China Initiates Large-Scale Military Exercises in Controversial South Sea

China is not only stimulating its markets and economy, but it is also preparing for a potential conflict with the US. This past Saturday, China's military announced that the country's air and naval forces are conducting operations in a disputed area of the South China Sea. This announcement came just hours after China's top diplomat discussed ways of reducing regional tension with his U.S. counterpart.

Details of the Military Exercises

The news of these military exercises was first reported by Reuters. This announcement followed statements from Australia and the Philippines that their militaries would be conducting a joint maritime activity with Japan, New Zealand, and the United States in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The announcement of the exercises came shortly after China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York. The two discussed ways to avoid conflict in the South China Sea. In March, Blinken had reassured the Philippines of its strong defense partnership with the United States, after Manila accused Beijing of aggressive deployments in the South China Sea.

China's Stance on the South China Sea Dispute

During the meeting, Wang emphasized China's commitment to resolving differences with countries directly concerned through dialogue and consultation. Blinken, on the other hand, raised concerns about China's "dangerous and destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea and discussed improving communication between the two nations' militaries. Wang responded that "the U.S. should not always stir up trouble in the South China Sea and should not undermine the efforts of regional countries to maintain peace and stability." The Chinese drills will include "routine" early warning and reconnaissance exercises as well as patrols around Scarborough Shoal, the Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army said in a statement. The statement did not provide any additional details.

Scarborough Shoal: A Contested Feature

The Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia's most contested features, is 200 km off the Philippines, within its exclusive economic zone. However, China also claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the atoll known for its abundant fish stocks and stunning turquoise lagoon, despite overlapping claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. While in 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled that China's sweeping claims were not supported by international law, Beijing refuses to recognize the decision.

Increased Military Presence in the South China Sea

A Beijing-based thinktank reported on Friday that warships of various nations spent more than 20,000 days annually in the South China Sea, with over 30,000 military aircraft traversing it. U.S. navy ships spent about 1,600 days at sea in the region, according to the thinktank, the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative.

Bottom Line

The increased military activity in the South China Sea, particularly China's recent large-scale exercises, underscores the escalating tensions in the region. As nations with vested interests in the region continue to assert their claims and increase their military presence, the potential for conflict rises. What are your thoughts on these developments? Share this article with your friends and let us know your thoughts. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.