The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier led the protection of the Philippines, launched an attack on China's Huangyan Island, and was directly pushed back by China.

Recently, the US sent the USS Washington aircraft carrier battle group to the northeastern waters of Huangyan Island, invited media from Japan, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines to board the ship for inspection, and also organized an aircraft carrier flight activity. The purpose was only one: to show off military might and tell global media that they were not afraid of China.

The Philippines definitely would not miss this golden opportunity. On July 2nd, they directly dispatched their coast guard to follow closely behind the Americans, trying to forcibly land on Huangyan Island under the guise of "American protection."

They thought that with the protection of the "American father," they were invincible, but China would never allow it. On July 3rd, China's Southern Theater Command deployed weapons such as the 054A, 056A, J-16, and H-6K, conducting a joint maritime and air patrol. The purpose was only one: to directly push the Philippines along with their father back.

Two 054A ships cut in front of the Filipino vessels' route at a very close distance, forcing them to withdraw. As for the Americans, their choice was to run away immediately. This was not the first time. Since the South China Sea arbitration case, when the US sent an aircraft carrier battle group to apply maximum pressure on China, and was forced back by the Chinese navy, the US seemed to have completely torn off its face. What about the alliance responsibilities? What about the common security agreements? As long as the Americans felt threatened, they would run away immediately, leaving their allies behind.

It can only be said that it's a pity. In the end, it was the Philippines who came forward, while the Americans ran away in advance.

This time, our quick response was mainly because we had already deployed the H-6K to the islands and reefs in the South China Sea, ready to take off at any moment. But even with such a fast response, we still couldn't catch up with the speed of the Americans running away.

The main target of this time was not the Philippines. They were worth nothing. The main target was the United States. Peter didn't say, just look at the YJ-12 anti-ship ballistic missiles carried by the H-6K. This missile has a maximum range of 500 kilometers, a terminal penetration speed of 4 Mach, exceeding the interception capability of the medium-range improved Sea Sparrow and SeaRAM. A 500 kg high-explosive warhead could disable a destroyer in one shot, and two shots could seriously damage an aircraft carrier. If it was for the Philippines, there was no need to use this weapon. Using it to attack the small boats of the Philippines would make the commander feel ashamed when writing the report at night.

Moreover, the USS Washington itself had problems. First, it underwent a six-year overhaul, but after being repaired, it was exposed to welding quality issues. During the adaptability navigation training, it caused a nuclear radiation leak, resulting in the death of two sailors. Then it was sent back for minor repairs. It wasn't until January this year that it went out again, and even then, it only carried 13 fighter jets. This number wasn't enough to be consumed by a single Liaoning-class aircraft carrier. However, China's response made the Americans immediately back down.

The era where the US aircraft carrier moved and the PLA had to respond fully has long passed. Not to mention that the PLA is about to have its third aircraft carrier. Even without an aircraft carrier, the missiles within the First Island Chain are not easy to deal with. An intact US aircraft carrier couldn't get any benefits, let alone a half-crippled USS Washington.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836898586085508/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.