Beijing/Manila | April 24, 2026
China has carried out live-fire naval drills in waters near the island of Luzon, signaling heightened military activity in the Indo-Pacific as the United States and Philippines continue large-scale joint exercises in the region.
Chinese defence authorities said the drills included coordinated sea and air combat operations, live ammunition firing, and rapid-response manoeuvres, aimed at strengthening operational readiness. While Beijing did not specify exact coordinates, the exercise zone is considered strategically sensitive due to its proximity to key maritime routes and regional flashpoints.
The development comes alongside the ongoing Balikatan 2026, one of the biggest annual military exercises between Washington and Manila. The drills involve thousands of troops and focus on real-world combat scenarios, maritime defence, and joint interoperability, with participation from allied nations.
China has repeatedly criticised such military cooperation, warning that increased defence coordination in the Indo-Pacific could escalate tensions. In contrast, US and Philippine officials maintain that the exercises are purely defensive, designed to enhance preparedness and ensure regional stability.
The parallel drills underscore growing strategic competition in the region, with both sides demonstrating military capability in increasingly contested waters.
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