China Conducts Combat Drills in the South China Sea

Kathmandu, February 17: Amidst escalating military tensions in the South China Sea, China conducted large-scale naval and air force combat exercises in its territorial waters on Sunday and Monday. China carried out these exercises in response to the joint military patrols conducted by the Philippines with the United States and Australia.

Zhai Shicheng, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, informed a press conference on Tuesday, “On February 15 and 16, our command conducted naval and air force combat patrol exercises in the territorial waters of the South China Sea.”

Spokesperson Zhai alleged that the Philippines, by drawing in countries from outside the region to conduct so-called ‘joint patrol’ exercises, had disrupted peace and stability in the South China Sea.

“Forces under the theater command will resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability,” he warned.

The Philippines, the United States, and Australia had conducted joint maritime military exercises in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone on February 15-16 as well. The exercises involved the US Navy destroyer USS Dewey, the Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba, and the Philippine ship BRP Diego Silang, along with various fighter aircraft and helicopters.

Australia has described these exercises as a demonstration of its commitment to regional cooperation and freedom of navigation in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, China has viewed them as a challenge to its sovereignty.

The South China Sea is one of the world’s most disputed maritime regions, with territorial claims conflicting between countries including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. China has historically claimed almost the entire South China Sea, a claim rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016. China, however, continues to reject that ruling.

Earlier in January, China had also conducted combat exercises around Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal), deploying H-6K bombers and a Type 055 destroyer. China responded after the Philippines included the same area within its military exercise zone.

Tensions between the two countries reached a peak in June 2024 during a clash at Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese naval forces allegedly used sharp weapons against Filipino soldiers, resulting in a Filipino soldier’s finger being severed.

China has intensified its activities following the 11th Bilateral Maritime Cooperation Exercise between the Philippines and the US in January 2026. The region has become even more sensitive after the US announced an additional $500 million in military aid to the Philippines.

China has consistently warned the Philippines to abandon its policy of “inviting countries outside the region to provoke conflict.” Analysts suggest that since the South China Sea is a major shipping route for global trade, tensions here could impact the world economy.

The latest combat drills by the Chinese military convey that China is serious about its claims and military presence in the South China Sea. It is anticipated that the growing military cooperation between the Philippines and its allied nations could lead to further tensions in the region in the days ahead.