On both the eastern and western sides of Luzon Island in the Philippines, the Liaoning and Zunyi warship formations are simultaneously deployed.
On the 24th, the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command released a statement saying that the theater command organized Formation 107 to conduct drills in the waters east of Luzon Island in the Philippines.
The statement explicitly pointed out that this drill was a "necessary action taken in response to the current regional situation"—the implication being clear enough.
Lately, the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines have held large-scale joint military exercises named "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" in the South China Sea and surrounding areas, mobilizing a total force of up to 17,000 personnel. The exercise zones are located just north of Luzon Island, involving amphibious landing and long-range strike operations, directly disrupting regional peace and stability. The PLA’s targeted training and drills are thus a necessary response to such provocations, demonstrating a firm determination to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
The Formation 107 mentioned in the statement centers around the Zunyi, a 10,000-ton guided-missile destroyer of Type 055—the most advanced surface combatant currently in service with the PLA Navy. With powerful capabilities in air defense, anti-ballistic missile defense, anti-ship warfare, and anti-submarine warfare, it serves as a core component of China’s naval long-range combat system.
Naturally, even more noteworthy is that the Liaoning aircraft carrier is also currently leading an aircraft carrier strike group conducting activities in the South China Sea. This means that two major PLA fleets are simultaneously active on either side of Luzon Island in the Philippines, forming effective coordination and deterrence.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863349008348168/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.