China's "combat patrols" clash with allied exercises in South China Sea

For Sunday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has scheduled "combat patrols" involving the navy and air force in the contested South China Sea. Coincidentally, this is the same day troops from the USA, Philippines, Japan, and Australia plan to conduct exercises in the same region.

A brief statement announcing these patrols was shared, which Chinese state media cited early Sunday morning. However, the statement lacked specific details about the nature and locations of the planned patrols.

Simultaneously, in the South China Sea, the United States, Philippines, Japan, and Australia will conduct a joint military exercise. This region is the subject of territorial claims by both the Philippines and China, as reported by the AP agency, which referenced a joint statement from the countries involved.

The AFP agency highlighted that these exercises are scheduled just days before a significant summit in Washington. US President Joe Biden is expected to host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at this meeting. The leaders' meeting at the White House is set for April 11.

The South China Sea is often recognized as a critical hotspot capable of triggering armed conflicts. China asserts nearly total sovereignty over the sea, a claim that clashes with the territorial rights asserted by other countries in the region, such as the Philippines. This maritime area is resource-rich and vital for global trade routes.