The last 15 known military and naval operations in the South China Sea reflect heightened tensions and strategic maneuvering among various nations. Here are some key recent operations:
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Joint Patrol by U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines: This multinational patrol included significant assets and marked the first participation of Japanese vessels and aircraft, highlighting deepening defense ties and a collective stance on freedom of navigation. The involved warships included the USS Mobile, HMAS Warramunga, JS Akebono, and several Philippine vessels (USNI News).
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Balikatan 2024 Exercises: These extensive drills involved the deployment of new U.S. military assets, including the Mid-Range Capability launchers, and significant live-fire drills by both U.S. and Philippine forces. The exercises also featured the first launches of anti-ship missiles from Philippine Navy warships (USNI News, USNI News).
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Chinese Naval and Air Patrols: In response to U.S.-led exercises, China conducted its own joint naval and air patrols, asserting control over the region and demonstrating its military capabilities. These activities were announced by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense during the multinational patrol (USNI News).
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Presence of Chinese Spy Ships: Chinese vessels have frequently shadowed multinational exercises, such as during the Balikatan drills, indicating Beijing's intent to monitor and possibly disrupt these activities. PLAN Type 51B Luhai-class destroyer Shenzhen and other Chinese ships were observed shadowing allied forces (USNI News, USNI News).
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U.S.-Philippines Joint Exercises: The U.S. and Philippines have increased their joint activities, including advanced maritime communication exercises and maneuvers, as part of their Mutual Defense Treaty commitments. These exercises have reinforced the alliance and enhanced interoperability between the two nations' navies (Naval News, Rappler).
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French Naval Operations: France has deployed its naval forces in the region to support freedom of navigation and demonstrate its commitment to upholding international law. French ships participated in joint exercises and patrols alongside U.S. and Philippine forces (USNI News).
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Australian Naval Deployments: Australia's involvement in joint patrols and exercises, such as the recent inclusion of the HMAS Warramunga in multinational drills, underscores its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. These operations aim to ensure regional stability and uphold international maritime laws (Stars and Stripes).
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Enhanced U.S.-Japan-Philippines Cooperation: Plans for joint naval patrols by these three nations signal a coordinated effort to counter China's maritime claims and bolster regional security. These patrols are part of broader initiatives to strengthen trilateral defense cooperation (Politico).
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Philippine Military Modernization: The Philippines is enhancing its defense capabilities with new systems and technologies, partly in response to China's aggressive tactics in the region. This includes acquiring advanced missile systems and upgrading naval and air force capabilities (Lowy Institute).
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Chinese Coast Guard Activities: The Chinese coast guard has been actively engaging in aggressive maneuvers against Philippine vessels, including blocking resupply missions to disputed areas like the Second Thomas Shoal. These actions have increased tensions and highlighted China's assertive maritime strategy (Cambridge University Press).
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U.S. Naval Operations: Regular deployments and operations by U.S. carrier strike groups, such as the USS Carl Vinson, reinforce the U.S. presence and commitment to regional stability. These operations demonstrate U.S. capabilities and support for allied nations in the region (USNI News).
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Increased Militia Activity: Reports of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels operating within the Philippine EEZ indicate a strategic move to assert control and monitor activities in the contested waters. This increase in militia presence has escalated tensions in the area (USNI News).
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Philippine Coast Guard Patrols: The Philippine Coast Guard has been actively patrolling and safeguarding exercise areas from unauthorized vessels, reflecting the country's assertive stance in protecting its territorial claims. These patrols are crucial for maintaining security and monitoring Chinese activities (USNI News).
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North Korean Naval Drills: Although not directly in the South China Sea, North Korea's recent naval artillery drills highlight the broader regional security dynamics affecting adjacent areas. These drills have prompted responses from South Korea and have implications for regional stability (USNI News).
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Dutch Naval Operations: The Netherlands has also participated in naval operations in the South China Sea, further internationalizing the issue of freedom of navigation and maritime security. These operations reflect a broader commitment by European nations to support international law in the region (USNI News).
These operations illustrate the complex and dynamic geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea, involving a mix of hard power dynamics, economic power influences, and noopolitik elements as various state and non-state actors pursue their strategic interests. The ongoing military activities and joint exercises reflect a concerted effort by U.S. allies to counter China's assertive policies and ensure stability and rule of law in the region.
