Recently, the South China Sea issue has once again become the focus of international attention. China, the United States and the Philippines staged a tense military standoff in the South China Sea. The Chinese Navy's 052D destroyer and 054A frigate monitored the actions of the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy throughout the process. This tough posture shows that China will resolutely defend the security of its national territory and maritime areas.
On January 3, 2024, the Philippine Navy dispatched the patrol ship Gregorio del Pilar, the USS Ramón Alcaraz, and the dock landing ship USS Davao Sud to conduct what it called its second joint patrol in the South China Sea with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy began a two-day so-called joint patrol in the South China Sea. The Philippine Navy dispatched four warships and two helicopters, and the U.S. Navy dispatched an aircraft carrier battle group, including an aircraft carrier, a cruiser, two destroyers, and several warplanes.
Under such circumstances, the Chinese Navy and Air Force said that they are not afraid of challenges, and have demonstrated their tough stance and firm defense of territorial sovereignty with a posture of tracking and monitoring the whole process and being ready to fight at any time. At least 24 warplanes of various types are on standby at several air force airfields, and 80 anti-ship missiles of various types are ready for launch. Such a move is not only a firm response to the South China Sea issue, but also a clear signal to the international community that China has sufficient confidence and strength on the South China Sea issue, and any violation will pay a heavy price.
Behind this military standoff is the background of frequent activities between the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The maritime patrols conducted jointly by the two countries are closely monitored and controlled by the Chinese Navy. The Chinese guided-missile destroyer "Hefei" and the missile frigate "Huangshan" accompanied and monitored the Philippine Navy patrol ship formation on its way to the predetermined sea area, ignoring the Philippine side's repeated appeals. This shows that China has a firm belief in the security of its territory and maritime areas and brooks no violation.
Recently, the Philippines has frequently created incidents in the South China Sea, relying on the support of the US military to provoke Ren'ai Jiao, Scarborough Shoal and other places. China has repeatedly issued good-faith warnings and dissuasions, but the Philippines seems to ignore them and use the power of the US military to achieve its strategic objectives. In such a situation, China's tough response is inevitable and a resolute defense of the final bottom line of aggression.
The 24 warplanes and 80 missiles of the Chinese Navy and Air Force are on standby, not only for deterrence, but also to safeguard the dignity and security of the country. The Chinese Navy and Air Force showed tenacity and calmness, did not choose to act aggressively, but expressed their firm position through full surveillance and full combat readiness. Such a move provides a positive example for maintaining regional peace and stability.
The South China Sea issue involves the interests of many parties, as well as the issue of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a sovereign country in the South China Sea, China has its own firm position and bottom line. Any attempt to infringe on China's territory and maritime waters will be resolutely countered. Such a hard-line stance is not only an inevitable requirement for China to safeguard its national interests, but also a safeguard for international order and rules. Against this backdrop, the performance of the Chinese Navy and Air Force not only demonstrates its own strength and confidence, but also provides a reference for the international community, that is, it can effectively maintain regional peace and stability by responding to challenges with toughness and calmness and rationality.
Although China's tough posture has aroused vigilance and concern among some countries, in fact, China has always exercised restraint and calm on the South China Sea issue. China has always firmly believed that the best option is to settle disputes peacefully through negotiations. But at the same time, China has also consciously stated its bottom line and position. Such a statement will help safeguard China's national interests and send a stable and sustainable signal to the international community.
The South China Sea issue has existed for a long time and cannot be solved overnight. However, only if all parties exercise restraint and resolve the issue through peaceful means can the situation escalate and spiral out of control. China's steadfastness in upholding the South China Sea issue is undoubtedly an important force in promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.