China conducts month-long military drills in South China Sea... US-China tensions escalate

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] China will conduct military exercises in the South China Sea throughout March.

According to the Global Times of China on the 1st, the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration recently announced that from March 1 to 31, military exercises will be held within a 5 km radius in a specific area off the west coast of the Leizhou Peninsula in the South China Sea, and entry of other vessels will be prohibited. The specific details of the exercises were not included in the announcement.

Chinese experts predict that the South China Sea will remain a powder keg amid ongoing pressure from the Biden administration in the United States on China. The Global Times pointed out that the U.S. frequently conducts reconnaissance activities near China's coastal areas and in the South China Sea.

According to Beijing-based think tank the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), the U.S. sent various reconnaissance aircraft including MQ-4C, EP-3E, and RC-135U to the South China Sea from February 25 to 27. France also dispatched its assault landing ship and frigate toward the South China Sea in mid-February. Reports indicate these warships are scheduled to pass through the South China Sea twice.

Chinese naval expert Li Jie predicted that the U.S., its allies, and India will continue to cause problems in the South China Sea, and China will face ongoing pressure.

The Hong Kong South China Morning Post assessed that tensions in the South China Sea are showing signs of continuing even under the Biden administration.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.