Recently, there has been a remarkable military development in Philippine waters. A Type 055 destroyer of the Chinese Navy, the Dalian No. 105, was docked on Mischief Island in the South China Sea, and it appeared that it was intended to be stationed for a long time. This action not only demonstrates China's military presence in the region, but could also affect the dynamic balance of the region.
The arrival of this Dalian ship is not for nothing. It all started on May 2, when a fleet of Chinese Navy ships concluded a drill in the western Pacific. It wasn't just a simple sea cruise, the team set off on the South China Sea Fleet's doorstep and headed west, through the Sibutu International Waterway in the southern Philippines, to the South China Sea.
This voyage is not simple, including several ships including the No. 105 Dalian, as well as the No. 174 Hefei, No. 552 Chenzhou and No. 887 Weishanhu, which are all hardcore capital ships. After a long period of operations at sea, these ships naturally need to be replenished and rested. Mischief Island and nearby Subi Island, with their newly upgraded facilities, became ideal stops for this fleet.
Stopping here to recuperate is not the only purpose of this fleet. What you may not know is that Mischief Island is a strategic location in the South China Sea. Not long ago, the United States and the Philippines just concluded a large-scale joint military exercise. Although the United States has always shouted to protect the Philippine supply fleet, there has been very little real action. The deployment of the Chinese Navy this time is obviously to give the United States and the Philippines a little color.
Why? Because this fleet specifically includes the project 887 Weishanhu ship, which is an integrated supply ship. With it in the ranks, the fleet could theoretically return to its base on Hainan Island without docking. But instead of doing so, they chose to stop at Mischief Island. The logic behind this is obviously a deeper consideration.
This is a precaution against possible provocations during joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises. Philippine supply ships tried to break into Chinese-controlled islands and reefs in the South China Sea during the exercise. Having a strong naval force stationed on Mischief Island will undoubtedly make any adversary who wants to take risks think twice.
It also demonstrates to the international community the Chinese navy's ability to operate in the open ocean and its control over islands and reefs in the South China Sea. Through such deployment, China has not only safeguarded its own strategic interests, but also made its voice heard in the international community.
Will such a big move cause tension in neighboring countries? This type of military activity is not uncommon internationally, and each country is adopting a corresponding strategy to protect its interests. And this action of the Chinese Navy is undoubtedly steadily advancing according to its own plan.
Will the Philippine supply ship still dare to come? That's a good question. With a big guy like Dalian on the island, probably any unfriendly force that wants to get close will have to think again. This does not mean that there will be conflict, but rather a show of strength, a way to let the other person know that "I am here". It is clear to everyone that no one is benefiting from a real conflict.