BEIJING. The Chinese military declared on Sunday that it had carried out air and sea patrols in response to what it perceives as provocative actions in the South China Sea, particularly referencing recent naval exercises conducted by the United States and its allies.
The announcement comes in the wake of a joint statement issued on Saturday by defense chiefs from the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, revealing plans for joint military exercises in the region aimed at upholding maritime law and freedom of navigation.
The South China Sea has been a focal point of territorial disputes, with China asserting expansive claims that are contested by several Southeast Asian nations. Recent tensions, particularly with the Philippines, have escalated, prompting increased military posturing in the area.
In a move perceived as a show of support for its allies, the United States has conducted joint patrols with the Philippines, drawing criticism from China, which accuses the U.S. of exacerbating tensions by interfering in regional disputes.
A spokesperson for the Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command issued a brief statement asserting control over activities that “disrupt the South China Sea” without directly mentioning the United States or the joint exercises.
Similarly, the joint statement by the U.S. and its allies did not explicitly mention China. However, it reiterated the parties’ commitment to a 2016 international arbitration ruling, which rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing its binding legal status.
The escalating tensions in the region are expected to be a focal point of discussions as U.S. President Joe Biden prepares to host his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a summit at the White House later this week.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
