Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong passed close to the northern Philippines en route to military drills in the Pacific, Taiwan’s defense minister reported on Wednesday. The maneuver came as tensions between Beijing and Manila over territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue to escalate.
Taiwan, vigilant about Chinese movements due to frequent military activities around the island, closely monitored the Shandong’s transit. The defense ministry detected 36 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, heading south and southeast of Taiwan to join the Shandong for exercises in the Western Pacific.
Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo assured that his ministry had a “full grasp” of the carrier’s movements. He noted that the Shandong did not pass through the Bashi Channel, the usual route for Chinese warships and aircraft heading into the Pacific. Instead, the carrier traveled further south through the Balintang Channel, situated between the Philippines’ Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
China’s defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment. However, the Philippines military expressed concern over the deployment of the Chinese carrier group. Spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, urging all parties to adhere to international laws and norms.
The Philippines is currently embroiled in a tense stand-off with China over the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The recent movements of the Shandong carrier group have added to the strained relations between the two nations.
Japan’s Self Defense Forces also reported detecting the Shandong late Tuesday, accompanied by two missile destroyers and a frigate, approximately 500 km south of Okinawa. Japanese navy ships monitored the carrier group’s movements while Japanese fighter jets scrambled in response to aircraft launched from the carrier.
The Shandong has previously operated near Taiwan, including an incident in December when it passed through the Taiwan Strait just weeks before Taiwanese elections. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reiterated his government’s commitment to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait amidst China’s repeated challenges.
During a meeting with the new de facto U.S. ambassador to Taipei, Raymond Greene, President Lai emphasized Taiwan’s resolve in the face of China’s attempts to alter the regional dynamics. Greene reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Taiwan’s defense capabilities, highlighting the crucial arms supplier relationship despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Taiwan is preparing for its annual Han Kuang war games, scheduled to start on July 22. In anticipation, China has increased its military activities around the island. Since early July, Taiwan has reported detecting over 270 Chinese military aircraft operating in the vicinity, along with two Chinese “joint combat readiness patrols” involving warplanes and warships.
A security source familiar with Chinese deployments in the region noted the traditional summer drills but pointed out the “unusual” uptick in recent activities. The source, speaking anonymously, described the security situation around Taiwan as “worrying.”
China’s animosity towards President Lai is well-known, and it conducted two days of war games shortly after he assumed office in May. Beijing labels Lai as a “separatist” and has consistently rejected his offers for dialogue. Lai, on the other hand, denies Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
The geopolitical tensions between China and the Philippines have also heightened, with the Chinese carrier’s recent proximity to the Philippines adding another layer of tensions to the situation. The Philippines has been increasingly vocal about its territorial rights in the South China Sea, a region rich in resources and strategic importance.
In response to these developments, regional allies and international observers have expressed concern over the potential for conflict. The United States, a key ally of both Taiwan and the Philippines, has reiterated its commitment to defending their sovereignty and supporting their military capabilities.
As the Shandong continues its journey into the Pacific, the international community is closely watching the unfolding events. The exercises and maneuvers by Chinese forces are seen as a show of strength and a signal of Beijing’s determination to assert its claims in contested waters.
The delicate balance of power in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait is at a critical juncture. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions are ongoing, but the military posturing by China indicates that the region remains on edge.
Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang war games will likely be scrutinized by both China and international observers. The exercises are designed to test Taiwan’s defense capabilities and readiness in the face of potential threats, particularly from China.
The recent increase in Chinese military activities around Taiwan highlights the island’s strategic importance and the high stakes involved in the regional power dynamics. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for global security and economic stability.
As China continues its military drills and the Shandong navigates the contested waters, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution but preparing for the possibility of heightened conflict in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
