China is actively expanding its global influence by showcasing military strength on the one hand, and deepening cooperation with other countries on the other. Near the Philippine coast in the South China Sea, its large warship Shandong is conducting eye-catching maneuvers, seen as a direct response to rising tensions with the United States and the Philippines. This strategy—demonstrating maritime power—reflects China’s attempt to reinforce its global standing, especially amid escalating tensions with the Philippines.
Off the northern coast of the Philippines, Shandong, China’s large aircraft carrier, accompanied by six smaller warships and two support vessels, passed twice through the Luzon Strait—an important maritime passage—between April 23 and 27. These maneuvers coincided with the Balikatan 2025 military exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines, involving 17,000 troops and rehearsing scenarios of potential conflict with China. Shandong’s aircraft carried out 130 take-offs and landings, clearly demonstrating China’s naval capabilities. This move was a response to the U.S. deployment of NMESIS in the Philippines, a modern missile system capable of striking ships up to 185 km away, perceived by China as an effort to limit its freedom of movement at sea.
Tensions in the South China Sea escalated further when China’s coast guard took control of the Tiexian Reef (also known as Sandy Cay) on April 26—a reef the Philippines claims as its territory. This small land formation is located near a Philippine military base on Thitu Island, deepening the disagreement. Meanwhile, during the Balikatan drills, the Philippines and the U.S. tested MADIS and SPYDER air defense systems, which successfully shot down drones. China’s Foreign Ministry declared that such exercises threaten regional peace, showing Beijing’s growing concern over closer U.S.-Philippine military cooperation. China’s actions aim to maintain its influence over regional waters
The Shandong maneuvers near Philippine shores were a response to the U.S. deployment of advanced weapons on Batanes Islands, capable of striking ships within a 185-km range. These weapons are seen as limiting China’s freedom to operate between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The move signals to China that the Philippines and the U.S. are prepared to counter its influence. Shandong’s operations, observed 789 km from Japan’s Miyako Island, underscore China’s ability to carry out rapid missions in distant waters. While increasing the risk of confrontation near the Philippines, China’s active military presence also shows its readiness to resist strategic pressure from the U.S. and its allies.
The Shandong group, deployed on April 21 after the start of Balikatan drills, was accompanied by the advanced destroyer Yan’an and the intelligence vessel Tianguanxing, which monitors adversary activities. These maneuvers responded to U.S. arms deployments in the Luzon Strait that threaten ships and restrict China’s maritime routes, especially those critical for energy supplies and military operations. With these steps, China seeks to protect freedom of navigation and uphold its influence. These developments occur against the backdrop of increased militarization of the South China Sea, where China continues to strengthen its artificial islands. The deployment of the Chinese naval group reveals its strategic priority—regional dominance—but at the cost of raising the risk of clashes, especially if U.S.-Philippine military cooperation continues.
