For the second time this month, the Chinese Navy’s aircraft carrier Shandong has been deployed in the Philippine Sea to monitor the joint exercises being carried out by the U.S. Armed Forces and those of the Philippines, namely the Balikatan 25 exercise. According to reports released by Japan’s Joint Staff Office (JSO)—whose Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) deployed the destroyer JS Ariake (DD-109) to track the carrier’s activities—the Shandong even sailed within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, a move that complied with international regulations but underscores the current tense climate.
Providing more details, the JMSDF confirmed on Wednesday morning that the Shandong had passed approximately 490 miles south of Miyako Island, escorted by the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Yan’an (106). During its deployment, both fighter jets and helicopters were seen conducting multiple flights over the area, although it remains unclear whether these were scheduled training missions—something that seems unlikely given that the earlier deployment this month was clearly for training purposes and took place closer to Taiwan.
In that context, it’s worth noting that the Balikatan 25 combined exercise is one of the most significant of the year for the Philippines and its close cooperation with the U.S., which is undoubtedly its main counterbalance to China’s considerable military power. For the exercise, which is scheduled to run through May 9, more than 14,000 personnel from both nations have been deployed, along with new NMESIS anti-ship missile systems on Luzon Island—the first time these capabilities have been positioned so close to mainland Chinese territory. Additional units were also deployed on Palawan Island and in the Cagayan region.
From the Chinese government’s perspective, the exercises are highly provocative and have already been condemned by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. In his official remarks, he stated: “The Philippines chose to conduct large-scale military exercises with a country from outside the region and introduced strategic and tactical weapons, undermining strategic stability and regional economic prospects. This places it at odds with the countries in the region. This act has been detested and rejected by regional nations.”
In summary, news of the Shandong’s deployment comes shortly after an incident in the Scarborough Shoal, in which the Philippine Navy ship BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) allegedly entered Chinese waters illegally, according to the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, which reportedly deployed forces to expel it. Authorities in Manila rejected these claims, asserting that the accusation was a propaganda move by Beijing aimed at its domestic audience, and reaffirmed that those waters belong to the Philippines, along with its right to patrol them.
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