A Chinese Type 815 Dongdiao-class surveillance ship transiting through the South China Sea. It was intelligence-gathering on the combined naval forces of Australia, the Philippines, the United States and New Zealand as they held joint exercises. This incident highlights increasing hostility toward foreign involvement, especially from the United States. While China responds by increasing its own military activity and still more vocally denouncing its neighbors for defensive postures.
It’s a surveillance ship, equipped with massive radar and antennae to tightly track all movements of enemy forces. It has been further linked to China’s expanding hegemonic control over contested maritime territories. China’s Minister for National Defense, Admiral Dong Jun, oversees these operations, while the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command spokesperson Tian Junli has accused the Philippines of being a “troublemaker” that undermines regional stability.
Increased Military Activity
The recent joint exercises involved multiple nations conducting complex military operations in the South China Sea. Also sailing behind was a Chinese task force of five naval vessels, highlighting China’s desire to keep a close eye on such activities. The Philippines is considered strategically vital due to its proximity to disputed areas in the South China Sea as well as Taiwan. To illustrate the importance of the Philippines in this context, Euan Graham from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) highlighted the Philippines’ importance.
“The Philippines is uniquely important in maritime South-East Asia because it is both close to the disputed parts of the South China Sea but also Taiwan. That gives it unique real estate value in deterrence terms,” – Euan Graham.
Australia has been open about its concerns over China’s increasingly aggressive moves. That discomfort was compounded after a Chinese task force conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea without any advance warning earlier this year. Such steps in turn have attracted scorn from Australia, a country that holds dearly to the principle of freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters.
Regional Implications
China’s growing assertiveness through expanding military installations on contested areas in neighboring waters has created turmoil amongst regional actors. Beijing has expressed alarm over joint military exercises by Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States, labeling them as “so-called joint patrols” that “severely undermine regional peace and stability.” These comments are very much in line with the overall Chinese strategy. They seek to push back against what China perceives as foreign powers encircling its close-in waters.
“These activities have become more complex and are bringing in more outside players,” – Euan Graham noted regarding the evolving dynamics in the region.
Tian Junli’s comments indicate that China feels justified in its military actions and views other nations’ defense maneuvers as provocations. The addition of foreign maritime services performing workouts near its boundaries intensifies Beijing’s vulnerability for their territorial honesty.
The Role of the Philippines
The Philippines’ strategic importance cannot be understated, as it plays a pivotal role in counterbalancing China’s influence in the region. Though violence continues to grow, the antiquated South China Sea dispute has seen renewed diplomatic and military support for the Philippines from allied countries. By re-establishing itself as a coalition-building heavyweight, the Defense Department solidifies its stance against supposed threats from China.
“I think the frequency has also increased … it’s a gathering coalition coming into being. It makes the point that the Philippines has support both diplomatically and also militarily,” an unnamed source stated.
Australia’s Defense Ministry has taken a strong stand on improving interoperability and cooperation among allied nations. This strategy prioritizes US engagement in order to ensure a free, open, connected, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region in the face of China’s coercive actions.
