Tensions Rise: China Conducts Drills Near Philippines Amid Allied Naval Exercises

China's military has conducted air and sea combat drills near the Scarborough Shoal, while the US, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines performed military manoeuvers within Manila's EEZ. The exercises emphasize the commitment to a rules-based international order and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award.

China's military initiated air and sea combat drills near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, close to the Philippines, the Southern Theatre Command of China's People's Army announced on Wednesday. The operations aimed to test 'strike capabilities,' according to Al Jazeera.

The drills coincided with military maneuvers conducted by the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines within Manila's exclusive economic zone, including the West Philippine Sea. A statement from Canada's Department of National Defence on August 6 revealed that these forces would engage in a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity on August 7 and 8.

'This exercise enhances cooperation and interoperability among our armed forces,' the statement highlighted. 'The activity aligns with international law, addressing common maritime challenges and emphasizing our shared commitment to a rules-based order.' The statement also reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award as a definitive and binding resolution.

Signatories of the joint statement include General Romeo Brawner Jr. of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Admiral David Johnston of Australia, General Jennie Carignan of Canada, and Admiral Samuel Paparo of the US Indo-Pacific Command. Philippine Navy spokesperson, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, emphasized that this is the first joint activity involving all four nations, underlining its adherence to international law and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling.

Trinidad confirmed the presence of three Chinese PLA Navy vessels shadowing the exercise: the Wuzhou, Huangshan, and Quijing class corvettes. He clarified that the activity is not targeting any specific country but is a collective effort to support international rules.

The Philippine contingent included the missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal and the offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz, supported by an AW-159 Wildcat helicopter. Australia deployed a Poseidon P-8A aircraft, Canada sent HMCS Montreal and a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, while the US was represented by USS Lake Erie and an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

(With inputs from agencies.)