This training comes at a time when the Philippines, which disputes this maritime zone with China, is also organizing joint exercises with the United States, Japan and Australia.
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On Sunday April 7, China is leading “naval and air combat patrols” in the disputed South China Sea, a maritime area that is the scene of incidents with the Philippines. This training comes at a time when the Philippines is organizing joint military exercises with the United States, Japan and Australia in this same area, where Beijing claims almost total sovereignty.
The Chinese army press release does not specify the scale of these exercises or their location, stating only that “All military activities that disrupt the situation in the South China Sea and create hot spots are under control.”
Heightened tensions between Beijing and Manila
The China Sea is a vast maritime area through which much of the trade between Asia and the rest of the world passes. In recent months, tensions between China and the Philippines – who assert their territorial claims more and more firmly – have reached levels not seen in years.
The joint holding of naval and air exercises in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines aims to demonstrate “collective commitment” allies “to strengthen regional and international cooperation in favor of a free and open Indo-Pacific region“. China views with concern the strengthening of military ties between the United States and the Philippines, seen by the Asian giant as a way of thwarting its territorial claims in the region.
