Key takeaways
- China’s air and naval forces are conducting exercises in a disputed area in the South China Sea.
- The exercises come after talks between China’s top diplomat and his American counterpart aimed at easing regional tensions.
- Specific details about the scope and duration of these activities have not yet been announced.
The Chinese air and naval forces are currently conducting maneuvers in a disputed area in the South China Sea. This move comes hours after talks between China’s top diplomat and his American counterpart aimed at easing regional tensions.
The announcement of these exercises comes in the wake of statements by Australia and the Philippines regarding their joint maritime activities with Japan, New Zealand and the United States in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The Chinese military described these maneuvers as routine exercises that include early warning, reconnaissance and patrols around Scarborough Shoal. However, specific details about the scope and duration of these activities have not been revealed.
The disputed area and its historical importance
Scarborough Shoal, a subject of controversy in Asia, is located 200 kilometers off the coast of the Philippines within its exclusive economic zone. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including this atoll, which is highly prized for its rich fishing grounds and picturesque lagoons. However, this claim contradicts the claims of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
In 2016, an international court in The Hague ruled that China’s expansionist claims had no legal basis, a decision rejected by Beijing. Although the court did not determine sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, it recognized its historical importance as a hunting ground for several nations.
International responses and diplomatic efforts
This announcement of the military exercises comes after a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in New York. During their talks, they discussed strategies to prevent conflict in the South China Sea.
In March, Blinken reiterated the solid nature of the US-Philippines defense partnership in the wake of Manila’s accusations of Chinese aggression in the region through its alleged coast guard and maritime militias. Wang stressed that China wants to resolve disputes through dialogue with directly concerned countries. On the other hand, Blinken expressed concern about China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea and called for improving military communications between the two countries.
Concerns about military activities in the region
Wang urged the United States not to increase tensions in the region and undermine regional stability efforts. Warships from several countries spend more than 20,000 days in the South China Sea every year, and more than 30,000 military aircraft fly over the region, according to various sources. Including Reuters. US Navy ships and submarines will spend about 1,600 days there.
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