China protest against Filipino-American marine patrols in the South China Sea

The launch of U.S. Navy and Philippines naval patrols sparked a sharp reaction from China. Joint exercises with aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and its associated cruiser units USS Princeton and destroyers USS Sterett and USS Kidd – represent the US's commitment to cooperating with the Philippines on maritime safety.

Within the framework of activities in the South China Sea, Filipino Polish Navy, reinforced by former U.S. Coast Guard boats – USCGC Hamilton and USCGC Dallas, currently serving under the Philippine flag, and an Indonesian landing vessel BRP Davao del Sur, actively participates in patrols. These activities, though mostly peaceful, include monitoring and exploratory activities, providing a symbolic demonstration of strength and unity between allies.

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Romeo Brawner Jr., stressed the importance of these maneuvers to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Philippines and develop cooperation with the US. On the other hand, Chinese state media, including the Global Times, strongly criticized these actions, claiming that the Navy exercises of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) were a response to provocative behavior from the Philippines and the US.

It is worth recalling that in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague overturned China's territorial claims against the Philippines, but the Beijing government did not recognise this ruling. Despite this, China continues to claim rights to this region and maintain a strong military presence, especially around the Spratly Islands.

Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping, quoted by the Global Times, stated that China is prepared to defend their rights, using force to protect their national interests. These events shed light on the complexity of geopolitical competition in the region, which is crucial both from a strategic and economic point of view.

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In this context, the Philippines, as America's oldest ally in Asia, play a key role. Their commitment to national defence and allowing the US to access bases in strategic locations, including Palawan and the Luzon Strait, is essential for regional balance of power.

Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, commander of the strike group, stressed the importance of joint action to enhance interoperability and information exchange with the Philippine Armed Forces, which aims to promote maritime security in the region.

The rising tensions in the South China Sea, which began yesterday, are of particular importance. The first such patrol had a more modest range, but today's action is much more intense. This clearly reflects the response to an increase in tension between the Philippines and China, including a series of incidents on Second Thomas Shoal. Intensification of these patrols shows the determination of both countries to strengthen their position in the region and to maintain security and stability in the strategic waters of the South China Sea.

Sytuacja na Morzu Południowochińskim jest skomplikowana i dynamiczna, z uwzględnieniem interesów regionalnych i międzynarodowych. Wzrost współpracy militarnej między Filipinami a USA w obliczu chińskiej ekspansji jest kluczowym elementem tego kontekstu. Wzmożone działania wojskowe i dyplomatyczne w regionie wymagają ciągłego monitorowania i zaangażowania międzynarodowej społeczności w celu zapewnienia pokoju i stabilności.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz