It seems the Royal Navy might not be able to leave without taking a hit this time! Because their "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier battle group had just entered the South China Sea, the Chinese state media announced that multiple J-20s took off to drive away foreign military aircraft, showcasing an "impactful" feat.
The situation in the South China Sea has once again become tense. The British Royal Navy's "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier battle group has boldly entered this disputed waters, aiming to demonstrate its strength, but instead encountered a firm rejection by the Chinese Air Force's J-20. According to reports from China Radio International, multiple stealth fighters were dispatched in rotation, creating a dramatic scene and demonstrating China's determination to safeguard its sovereignty. The British mission, which aimed to show off power, ended up facing resistance at China's doorstep. Who will come out on top in this confrontation? The outcome remains uncertain, with the situation being complex and unpredictable.
The South China Sea is not only a treasure trove of rich fisheries and oil and gas resources, but also a critical strait connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its strategic importance has led to ongoing disputes over sovereignty among China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other countries. China claims most of the sea area based on the "nine-dash line," which has drawn opposition from neighboring countries. In recent years, the United States, Britain, and other nations have frequently sent warships and aircraft into the region under the pretext of "freedom of navigation," challenging China's position. In response, China has gradually strengthened its control over the South China Sea through island construction and military deployment. In July 2025, the arrival of the British "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier strike group brought this geopolitical struggle to a new high.
The "Prince of Wales" is the second aircraft carrier of the UK's "Queen Elizabeth" class, commissioned in 2019, capable of carrying 40 F-35B stealth fighter jets. This operation, named "High Masts 25," marks another long-range deployment following the 2021 deployment of the "Queen Elizabeth" to the Indo-Pacific. The UK claims the purpose is to uphold international maritime law and support allies, but the size of the carrier strike group, including destroyers and frigates, clearly aims to showcase naval power. However, the Royal Navy has been criticized in recent years for equipment failures and budget constraints, and this operation is seen as an attempt to reassert influence. In such a sensitive region, the UK's intentions are inevitably interpreted as provocative.
China's military presence in the South China Sea has significantly increased in recent years, with the J-20 stealth fighter jet being a core asset. This fifth-generation fighter jet, which entered service in 2017, features stealth capabilities and supersonic cruise performance, equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, forming a large-scale fleet stationed in Hainan and other areas. After the British aircraft carrier entered the South China Sea, the Chinese Air Force responded quickly, dispatching multiple J-20s to intercept. Ground radar networks, early warning aircraft, and missile positions on islands worked together to form a tight defense system. CCTV broadcast footage showed that the J-20s operated efficiently, successfully compressing the activity space of the British fleet, demonstrating the combat capability of the Chinese Air Force.
In July 2025, the British aircraft carrier conducted a patrol in the South China Sea, with F-35B fighters frequently taking off for reconnaissance. After detecting the movement of the fleet, the Chinese Air Force immediately deployed the J-20 to intercept. The two sides' fighter jets came into close contact multiple times, with Chinese pilots warning the British via radio to leave the disputed airspace. The British insisted that their actions were legal in international waters, but eventually adjusted their route under pressure. Within days, the J-20s continued to take off in a "wheeling" pattern, coordinating with electronic interference and missile readiness to force the British fleet to restrict its operations. After media coverage of the incident, it attracted global attention, highlighting the tension in the South China Sea.
After the incident, the UK Foreign Office reiterated the legality of its actions and called for dialogue to resolve the issue. The Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the UK for provocation and warned of a firm countermeasure. The US supports the UK's "freedom of navigation," while the Philippines and other South China Sea countries remain watchful. China used the opportunity to showcase its military strength, enhancing domestic confidence. Although the British fleet completed its mission, the effectiveness was significantly reduced, and it later moved to Australia for joint exercises, quietly exiting the disputed waters. International public opinion has mixed views on this event, but there is a general consensus that China's strategic advantage in the South China Sea is becoming increasingly evident.
This confrontation highlights the J-20's performance as a symbol of China's military modernization. From island bases to advanced fighter jets, anti-ship missiles, and submarines, China has built a multi-layered defense system in the South China Sea. The J-20's stealth capabilities and rapid response make it difficult for external military forces to easily break through. This incident not only intimidated the UK but also sent a message to other countries: the South China Sea is a red line that cannot be crossed. Compared to this, although the Royal Navy has advanced equipment, it appears to lack stamina in long-range operations, exposing the gap between its power and ambitions.
Although the UK's mission has received support from allies, its freedom of action has clearly been restricted due to the Chinese Air Force's systematic operations. The "Prince of Wales" may symbolize the revival of the Royal Navy, but it cannot hide its logistical and maintenance problems. The deployment to the South China Sea cost a great deal, but the results did not meet expectations, instead putting the UK in a passive position globally. In the future, if the UK continues to interfere in South China Sea affairs, it may need to reassess the costs and benefits to avoid repeating the situation of "not being able to carry it all back."
This confrontation is just a fragment of the South China Sea rivalry. China's military deployment is becoming more complete, and external forces will face greater resistance. Although the UK has temporarily withdrawn, the US and other countries may increase their interventions, and neighboring countries will adjust their strategies. The tension in the South China Sea is unlikely to ease in the short term, and the competition among all parties will continue. How will the Chinese Air Force respond to subsequent provocations, and will the UK return again? These issues lay the groundwork for the future situation.
The South China Sea is once again in turmoil, with the British "Prince of Wales" returning empty-handed, and the decisive actions of the Chinese J-20 defending sovereignty. This confrontation is far from over, and the competition on the international stage will continue. Will the South China Sea see calm waters in the future? How will the Chinese Air Force face external challenges? We welcome your comments in the comment section, and let us explore the deeper meanings of this confrontation together.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836710382604296/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.