China Conducts Live-Fire Drills as US-Philippines Carry Out Joint Patrols in South China Sea
Tensions rise as China criticizes Manila for involving 'external forces' in disputed waters, while diplomatic efforts to reduce confrontations are underway.
Overview
- China conducted two one-day live-fire drills in the South China Sea while the US and the Philippine navies carried out joint sea and air patrols.
- The Chinese Maritime Safety Administration announced two no-entry zones in waters near Hainan island due to the Chinese navy's 'military training' and 'live-fire shooting exercises'.
- The US-Philippine joint patrol was conducted far from Hainan, but China's Southern Theatre Command criticized Manila for 'co-opting external forces' into the disputed waters.
- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ways to reduce tensions in the South China Sea following a series of confrontations between ships from the two countries.
- China claims most of the South China Sea, which is contested by the Philippines as well as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.