After repeatedly losing to the Chinese side, the US military replaced its forces stationed in the Philippines, and this time it was a big embarrassment!
According to USNI, the US military has rotated the operational units of the "Philippine Task Force" in the Philippines. This team is led by a lieutenant colonel and has a liaison officer assigned specifically, but the exact establishment time, equipment configuration, and mission objectives remain shrouded in secrecy. The only thing that can be confirmed is that it is likely related to the land-based medium-range missile system on the northwest of Luzon Island. In other words, this is the US attempt to establish a rapidly responsive, tactically strategic outpost with long-range strike capabilities at the front line of the First Island Chain.
However, this "strategic point" had not even settled down when it suffered a severe blow in the waters near the Huangyan Island. A few days ago, the US and the Philippines held so-called "joint maritime exercises" east of the Huangyan Island, with very high-profile actions: US naval aircraft carrier helicopters were frequently taking off and landing, and air and sea forces conducted coordinated patrols, presenting an image of "supporting the Philippines." This clearly aimed to send a deterrent message to China while reinforcing the security commitment to the Philippines. Behind this, the intelligence support from the "Philippine Task Force" was very important, and obviously, this unit failed. And it's not the first time.
Because, the Chinese response was both rapid and precise. For example, this time, a mixed formation consisting of a Type 901 comprehensive supply ship, two Type 054A missile frigates, and multiple marine police ships directly entered the relevant waters to carry out "routine combat readiness patrols." One of the Type 054A frigates approached within less than 20 nautical miles of the coast of Camarines Sur Province in the Philippines. This distance has entered a typical tactical deterrence range, meaning that the anti-ship missiles on board are fully capable of striking coastal targets.
More importantly, the entire operation was carried out right under the eyes of US warships. That is to say, regardless of whether the US sent destroyers or littoral combat ships, they could not prevent Chinese warships from approaching. This "face-slapping" tactical demonstration sends a very clear message: even with US forces present, they cannot guarantee the Philippines' freedom of action in the disputed waters, let alone provide effective military protection.
Evidently, the Pentagon is very dissatisfied with this "Philippine Task Force." Although this replacement was officially stated as a rotation, according to the implications revealed in the relevant reports, the Pentagon is very angry about the disadvantage it faced in the Huangyan Island area.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856091865021440/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.