China’s bullying! Warships enter US Navy’s maneuvers, tension in South China Sea
China has once again shown arrogance in the South China Sea. On Thursday, Chinese warships reached the area of the South China Sea where the US and the Philippines were conducting maneuvers. China has called it a regular practice, while America has reacted sharply to it. Generally, foreign warships stay away from areas where other countries conduct maneuvers. China claims more than 90 percent of the South China Sea. However, this claim of China is not accepted by Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam. For this reason, America also regularly sends its warships under the claim of freedom of navigation.
Chinese Navy said it was a regular operation
Referring to the patrol, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said in a social media post that the routine operation on Wednesday and Thursday was aimed at firmly safeguarding the PRC’s sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests. The PLA said its forces are on high alert and are fully aware and prepared for any military activity that may create disturbances and flashpoints in the South China Sea. The Chinese military did not elaborate on the exact location of the patrol or the types of aircraft and warships involved.
America Philippines practicing in South China Sea
Manila has dispatched four naval ships, as well as multi-purpose and anti-submarine helicopters to the South China Sea to participate in Philippines-US exercises. This is the second such exercise in less than a month. In this exercise, the US Navy sent an aircraft carrier, a cruiser, two destroyers and a multirole fighter jet. This exercise is taking place during the ongoing tension between China and the Philippines. Recently, the conflict between these two countries over the islands of the South China Sea has increased significantly. China earlier this month rammed a ship carrying a Philippine military chief.
China is threatening the Philippines
Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a direct warning to the Philippines, emphasizing that any miscalculation in the dispute would draw a strong response from Beijing. After this threat from China, the US Secretary of State discussed strengthening bilateral relations with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo. The Philippines has also allowed America to use two new military bases in its country. Due to this, China is facing more trouble. China has opposed America’s defense ties with the Philippines from the beginning.
