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China Launches Combat Patrols After US-Philippine Drills in Disputed Sea

China has initiated combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea around Scarborough Shoal, a direct response to recent joint military exercises conducted by the United States and the Philippines. The patrols, announced by the PLA's Southern Theatre Command, involved advanced military assets like the H-6K bomber and a Type 055 destroyer. This escalation follows years of maritime confrontations where the Philippines has accused China of aggressive actions within its exclusive economic zone. The tensions persist despite a 2016 international court ruling that invalidated China's broad territorial claims in the region.

Key Points: China Patrols South China Sea After US-Philippine Drills

  • China responds to US-Philippine drills
  • Patrols involve bombers and destroyers
  • Manila accuses China of aggression
  • Sovereignty claims dispute continues
  • UN court rejected China's claims
3 min read

After US-Philippine joint drills, China conducts "combat readiness" patrols in South China Sea

China conducts combat readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal following joint US-Philippine military exercises, escalating tensions.

"resolutely countered infringement and provocative actions by individual countries - PLA Southern Theatre Command"

Beijing, February 1

China has conducted "combat readiness" patrols in the maritime and aerial areas around Huangyan Dao, which the Chinese call the Scarborough Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.

The development comes on the heels of a joint US-Philippine drill in the area.

China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command said in a statement that since the beginning of January, it has organised naval and air forces to step up patrols in the waters and airspace surrounding the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, and resolutely countered "infringement and provocative actions by individual countries in the region", Xinhua reported.

"The move is aimed at resolutely safeguarding China's sovereignty and security, and upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea region," the PLA command was cited as saying by Xinhua.

State-run media outlet Global Times reported that the patrols involved an H-6K bomber armed with YJ-12 anti-ship missiles and the Type 055 large destroyer Xianyang, among other PLA warplanes and warships.

A day earlier, the Chinese coast guard had said that it had conducted law enforcement patrols over the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas "in accordance with the law and resolutely safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

The Philippine news agency had previously reported that the country's armed forces and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted the 11th bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea on January 25-26.

The Philippines Armed Forces deployed guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna and Air Force FA-50PH fighter jets, along with an A-29 "Super Tucano" aircraft, and an AW-109 helicopter. Also sent from the Philippine side was the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Gabriela Silang. Meanwhile, the USINDOPACOM fielded guided missile destroyer USS John Finn and an MH-60R "Seahawk" helicopter.

Chinese defence ministry spokesman has accused Manila of using the drill as a pretext to carry out "infringements and provocations".

"The Philippines, under the pretext of conducting military exercises, seeks to encroach upon [the shoal] and provoke, deliberately stoking maritime tensions," the spokesperson

Manila and Beijing have been embroiled in maritime confrontations in recent years, with the Philippines accusing China of aggressive manoeuvres, water cannon incidents, and disruption of supply missions in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Meanwhile, Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines' EEZ, according to Philippine state media reports.

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was ratified in the year 1996, and in 201,6 the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague found China's 'nine-dash line' claims to be invalid.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The Philippines is well within its rights to conduct drills with its ally in its own EEZ. China's "combat readiness" patrols are just bullying tactics. The 2016 PCA ruling was clear. As an Indian, I understand the frustration of a smaller neighbour facing a giant's territorial claims. The international community needs to uphold the rule of law. 🇵🇭
A
Aman W
While China's actions are aggressive, let's not pretend the US is there purely as a peacekeeper. They have their own strategic interests in containing China. The Philippines is caught in the middle of a new Cold War. Every country, including India, must navigate this great power competition carefully. No one wants a hot war over some rocks and shoals.
S
Sarah B
The details are worrying – H-6K bombers and Type 055 destroyers are serious hardware. This isn't just a patrol; it's a message. It reminds me of the constant tensions we see in our own region. Dialogue is the only way forward, but it seems neither side is willing to back down first. A dangerous stalemate.
K
Karthik V
From an Indian strategic perspective, this is a live case study in how China operates on its periphery. The pattern is familiar: assert a maximalist claim, reject international rulings, and respond to any external involvement with military posturing. ASEAN unity is crucial, but seems fragile. The freedom of navigation in these waters is vital for global trade, including ours.
N
Nikhil C
Respectfully, I think the article could have given more space to the Philippine perspective. Most of the direct quotes are from Chinese

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