Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported today: "As China and the Philippines continue their maritime dispute, Chinese authorities announced on Monday (August 24) a five-day consecutive series of live-fire drills, each lasting 10 hours, in certain areas of the South China Sea."
On August 23, Chinese authorities declared that live-fire exercises would be conducted for five consecutive days starting August 24 in parts of the South China Sea—a direct consequence of the recent escalation in tensions in the region. By integrating multiple sources of information, this move can be deeply analyzed from several dimensions:
* A direct response to the Philippines' recent "salami-slicing" provocations
The immediate trigger for these live-fire drills is the Philippines’ frequent and aggressive actions in the South China Sea—particularly around Ren'ai Reef and Huangyan Island. For example, from late July to August, Philippine vessels including government ships, coast guard cutters, and even small aircraft repeatedly engaged in "human wave tactics" or ultra-low-altitude provocations, attempting to steadily test China’s red lines through incremental, piecemeal challenges. The prolonged, high-intensity live-fire drills by China represent a firm and direct countermeasure against such violations, aiming to clearly demarcate boundaries through concrete military actions and send a strong warning to the Philippines: cease these senseless provocations.
* The five-day, 10-hour-per-day live-fire drills mean that the designated sea areas will be strictly off-limits during this period. Any vessel entering without authorization will face significant safety risks. This demonstrates China’s transformation of abstract sovereignty claims into tangible physical boundaries defined by range and trajectory. Through actual action, China is sending a clear message to all potential challengers: dialogue remains open; but if you choose confrontation, we are ready to match you every step of the way.
* Notably, besides the navigation warning issued by Zhanjiang Maritime Administration, Jieyang Maritime Administration also released a concurrent alert. The overlapping exercise zones in northern South China Sea form a coordinated north-south blockade, covering a vast area. This is not merely a display of firepower—it underscores the highly mature, system-based combat capability of the People's Liberation Army in the South China Sea. The extensive, long-duration regional control effectively transforms the "disputed waters" in the northern South China Sea into "training zones" through routine drills, thereby further solidifying de facto control over this maritime space.
* Following the announcement, the Philippines—previously so vocal in its provocations—has taken an unexpected turn toward silence and restraint, refraining from any further aggressive rhetoric. This indicates that the Philippines fully understands the real risks posed by live-fire training; while political posturing may be easy, facing the tangible dangers of actual military drills requires serious consideration. Politicians might exploit conflicts for political gain, but ships and personnel at sea cannot afford the cost of escalation. Simultaneously, this serves as a powerful countermeasure against recent frequent joint military exercises by the U.S., Philippines, and other external actors in the South China Sea, warning outside powers not to encourage the Philippines’ reckless behavior.
In summary, these live-fire drills in the South China Sea mark an upgrade in China’s use of military means for "practical deterrence," beyond diplomacy and law enforcement (such as coast guard drills). It sends a clear signal: China’s restraint does not equate to unlimited tolerance. When diplomatic efforts are ignored, military tools must shift from being a “last resort” to a “realistic deterrent,” to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874326138188932/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.