In a significant escalation of military activity in the South China Sea, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy conducted drills focused on air defense, missile interception, and damage control in late autumn 2024. These exercises come as tensions between China and neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam, continue to rise. The Philippines has announced plans to upgrade infrastructure on Thitu Island, extending its airstrip to 1.5 km (0.9 miles) to accommodate larger aircraft, which is a clear indication of its commitment to enhancing its military capabilities in the region [05476765].
In a clear signal to China, the United States has deployed 'Task Force Ayungin' to the South China Sea, aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering for the Philippines regarding the Second Thomas Shoal. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the task force's existence during his visit to the Philippines on November 19, 2024. The Ayungin Shoal is located 104 nautical miles from Palawan and 616.2 nautical miles from China's Hainan, with a 2016 arbitral ruling granting the Philippines exclusive rights to the shoal. While the task force will support Philippine operations, it will not participate directly in military actions. A survey conducted in February indicated that 43% of Filipinos favor US alignment in the territorial dispute, reflecting a complex public sentiment on the issue [0541c8f6].
Recent studies indicate that China's Yongshu Reef port has drastically improved its emergency response capabilities in the South China Sea, reducing average response times from over 33 hours to just 15.54 hours, with a coverage rate exceeding 99%. This facility, established in 1987 and expanded through artificial island construction, is poised to become one of China's most advanced military installations, potentially reaching 60 square kilometers. A rescue center set up in 2019 has already facilitated various operations, including towing a Panamanian cargo ship in March 2023 and assisting another foreign vessel in September 2023 [048767f8].
Vietnam has also been active, having reclaimed over 2 square kilometers in the Spratly Islands since October 2021, further asserting its territorial claims amidst ongoing disputes. The recent military drills by the PLA Navy are perceived as a direct challenge to these developments by both the Philippines and Vietnam, as they seek to expand their military presence and capabilities in the contested waters [05476765].
In a related development, the U.S. military is set to establish temporary bases on Japan's Nansei island chain and the Philippines for missile units in case of a Taiwan contingency. This deployment will be included in the first joint operation plan between the U.S. and Japan, scheduled for December 2024. The U.S. Marine Littoral Regiment, equipped with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), will be stationed along the island chain from Kagoshima and Okinawa toward Taiwan, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces providing logistical support. Additionally, the U.S. Army's Multi-Domain Task Force will deploy long-range fire units in the Philippines. This move comes amid increased military bases in the Philippines, rising from five to nine since February 2023, and reflects the growing defense cooperation between Japan and the U.S. in response to threats from China and North Korea [7e0abe69].
The recent announcement of plans to deploy HIMARS missiles on Yonaguni Island has further alarmed China. This strategy, proposed two years ago by military experts including Lieutenant General Earl Hailston, has gained traction with Japan's agreement and the Biden administration's support for U.S. Marine proposals. HIMARS can strike invasion ships, with the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) having a range of 190 miles, effectively covering routes for a potential Chinese invasion. Taiwan has also ordered HIMARS but has faced delays in delivery. Japan's increasing defense spending and political ties with Taiwan reflect its evolving defense strategy in response to China's threats [fbceebf4].
India has deployed three warships, including the guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi, fleet tanker INS Shakti, and anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan, to the South China Sea. This deployment aligns with India's strategy to bolster naval exercises with friendly nations in the region and to monitor Chinese activities closely. The Indian Navy's presence is part of a broader effort to counter China's expanding naval influence and territorial claims in the Indo-Pacific [41a14ccf].
The situation remains tense as the Philippines has reported clashes between its coast guard and Chinese vessels, with experts noting that the Philippines' aggressive measures could disrupt regional stability. Both the Philippines and China are urged to manage their differences and maritime crises carefully to avoid further escalation [05476765].
Germany has also increased its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, sending two warships to the region amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan. The German frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and supply ship Frankfurt am Main are part of efforts to support freedom of navigation and counterbalance China's assertiveness in the South China Sea [cc849df2].
In addition to these developments, the United States has ramped up its military operations in the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on being prepared for potential conflict with China by 2027. This includes a large-scale military exercise named Kamandang, which involves over 2,300 personnel from the U.S., Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Britain, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to military readiness in the region [a15d4909].
The ongoing military exercises and territorial assertions by various nations highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea. The presence of multiple navies, including those from the U.S., Canada, Japan, and the Philippines, underscores the collaborative efforts to maintain regional security and stability amidst China's growing assertiveness [32dfa40e].