The Chinese navy has recently carried out a series of extensive combat drills in the South China Sea. The exercises featured the Jinggang Shan, a Type-071 landing ship known for its advanced amphibious warfare capabilities. According to a social media post from the People’s Liberation Army Southern Command, these high-intensity drills aimed to increase the navy’s operational coordination and readiness for diverse missions.
Key Features of the Drills
The drills involved a range of activities designed to test and improve the navy’s skills. These included:
– Offensive and Defensive Manoeuvres: The exercises covered various combat scenarios to ensure the ship’s effectiveness in both attacking and defending.
– Information Gathering: Crews practiced collecting and analysing intelligence.
– Battlefield Rescues: The drills included operations to rescue personnel under simulated battlefield conditions.
– Helicopter Drills: These exercises focused on integrating helicopter operations with naval tactics.
– Air Target Simulation: The Jinggang Shan successfully tracked and destroyed an airborne target during the simulation.
The location and timing of the drills were not made public by the Southern Command.
Additional Naval Exercises
Two Chinese frigates were also conducting live-fire drills in the South China Sea, according to state media CCTV. These drills included:
– Air Defense: The frigates practiced defending against aerial threats.
– Anti-Submarine Operations: Exercises were conducted to detect and neutralize potential submarine threats.
– Anti-Mine Operations: The navy practiced strategies to clear mines and ensure safe shipping lanes.
It is unclear if these exercises were connected to the Jinggang Shan’s drills or if they were separate operations.
International Interactions and Tensions
Earlier this year, the Jinggang Shan visited Cambodia and East Timor for joint training exercises. It was aiming to strengthen relations with these nations. It’s recent drills come amid rising tensions between China and the Philippines.
Philippines Strengthens Military Ties
The Philippines has been bolstering its military relationships with neighboring countries and the United States. Earlier this month, the Philippines held its first joint coastguard drill with Vietnam off the west coast of Luzon. This is a component of Manila’s larger plan to strengthen its relationships and military prowess.
Ongoing Disputes
Tensions between China and the Philippines have been escalating. Particularly since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office two years ago. Recent confrontations were about the disputed areas in the South China Sea, such as the Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal.
– Collision Incident: On Monday, two Philippine vessels on a resupply mission collided with a Chinese ship near the Sabina Shoal. The BRP Teresa Magbanua, a top Philippine coastguard ship, has been stationed in the area since April.
– Chinese Naval Presence: China has sent several ships to the area, including the CCG-5901, the world’s largest coastguard vessel.
– Fishing Disputes: Philippine fishing crews have reported obstructions from Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, another contested area held by China.
Broader Regional Disputes
China claims a lot of the South China Sea, but other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei also say they own parts of it. Recently, Vietnam’s new leader, To Lam, visited China. They decided to talk things out and try to find a peaceful solution.
The Chinese navy recently practiced important drills in the South China Sea. These drills, along with ongoing disagreements with other countries, show how complicated and tense things are in the area.