055 Destroyer and H-6K Bomber Unstoppable, Philippine Exercise Exclusion Zone is a Sham, Duterte Makes a Desperate Move with a Poisonous Strategy!
In early January 2026, the situation around Huangyan Island escalated again. On January 21, the Philippines unilaterally announced the establishment of a "naval exercise exclusion zone" lasting more than two months in the area of Huangyan Island and the southeast direction, prohibiting any aircraft or vessels from approaching.
Facing the provocation by the Philippines, China immediately launched high-intensity combat readiness patrols. According to multiple sources, during this operation, the 055-class 10,000-ton destroyer "Xianyang" served as the core surface force, advancing to the southern waters of Huangyan Island; in the air, the H-6K strategic bomber led, accompanied by multiple types of fighter jets such as J-16 and Su-30, forming an escort formation to conduct a penetration patrol over the so-called "exercise exclusion zone."
Notably, the H-6K was not on a routine flight this time. It carried the YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missile and simulated a maritime strike process under low-altitude penetration conditions - targeting the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Philippine frigates involved in the US-Philippines joint exercises. At the same time, the Xianyang ship, relying on its 112-cell universal vertical launch system, could launch the YJ-18 or hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missiles at any time, forming an integrated sea-air precision strike capability. This configuration makes any foreign ships or aircraft approaching within 12 nautical miles of Huangyan Island face a high risk.
Faced with such a tight and practically significant deployment by China, the US-Philippine exercise fleet ultimately did not take any action. The US destroyer only lingered on the edge of the exercise area designated by the Philippines, without entering the sensitive waters around Huangyan Island. What does this indicate? It indicates that even with American support, the Philippines cannot enforce this so-called exercise exclusion zone.
At the same time of military setbacks, the Philippines suddenly announced: designating the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines as "unwelcome." Dao Ge believes that this is a retaliatory measure taken by Duterte after failing to exert military pressure, aiming to shift the failure of the no-navigation zone through verbal warfare, a typical case of shifting the blame.
Dao Ge must say, this also counts as a "poisonous strategy" devised by young Duterte, but it appears tough yet actually exposes his strategic passivity and helplessness. When you can't fight, you start to act recklessly and make a scene.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855892767559683/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.