China decided to conduct anti-submarine operations in the South China Sea. These maritime exercises happened as the tensions in the Indo-Pacific region intensified.
China Conducts Anti-Submarine Operations
According to Reuters' latest report, the Chinese military conducted intensive anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea, which has strategic importance to China.
China explained that these military drills are part of its efforts to hone defense capabilities amid the rising maritime tensions with its neighbors and their ally countries.
On Monday, Aug. 28, the Southern Command Theatre of China's People's Liberation Army said that the anti-sub drills were conducted non-stop for over 40 hours.
These exercises include flying anti-submarine patrol jets to search for submarines, as well as simulating attacks.
"It has effectively honed the military's round-the-clock aerial anti-submarine combat capabilities," said the Chinese theatre command.
China's anti-submarine exercises happened at night and early in the morning so that the Chinese navy could accumulate experience at different hours.
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US Also Conduct Military Drills in the Indo-Pacific Region
The U.S. government is also conducting military drills in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States was joined by Indonesia and five other nations.
They started their annual training exercises on Thursday, Aug. 31, on Indonesia's main island of Java.
Time Magazine stated that the United Kingdom and French forces are joining the U.S. and Indonesia in 2023's Super Garuda Shielf exercises.
"Super Garuda Shield 2023 builds on last year's tremendous success," said the Commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific, Gen. Charles Flynn.
He added that the multinational training drills display their like-minded unity and collective commitment to make the Indo-Pacific a peaceful, secure, and more stable region.
Of course, China is threatened by these military drills of the U.S. and allied countries, saying that the American government is building an Indo-Pacific alliance.
Chinese officials that this alleged alliance will be quite similar to NATO, claiming that it could limit China's growing diplomatic and military influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
