As U.S.-Japan-Philippines forces conduct their largest-ever joint military drills, China’s People’s Liberation Army has launched live-fire exercises in waters near the Philippine island of Luzon.
The Southern Theater Command announced that it deployed 107 formation units to conduct training operations east of Luzon, focusing on:
- Live ammunition firing
- Air-sea coordination
- Rapid deployment maneuvers
- At-sea resupply operations
Beijing characterized the drills as a “necessary response” to regional security developments, stating the exercises align with international laws and standards.
Massive Coalition Exercise Underway
The Chinese maneuvers coincide with Exercise Balikatan, an annual multinational training event running through early May. The coalition involves seven nations including America, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand, with over 17,000 personnel participating.
Training zones encompass the South China Sea and northern Luzon—areas close to Taiwan. Japan contributed substantial assets: naval vessels, aircraft, Type 88 anti-ship missile systems, and roughly 1,400 troops—the third-largest force among participating countries.
Shortly after the coalition drills began, China deployed its newest Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, into the South China Sea as a show of strength.
Beijing has pledged to organize regular military activities as needed to protect national sovereignty and maintain regional stability.