China's latest military readiness patrols around Huangyan Island have brought two major new developments that are far from trivial. On August 1, the Southern Theater Command of our armed forces conducted joint maritime and aerial exercises in the airspace and surrounding waters of Huangyan Island, focusing on practical combat drills such as reconnaissance and early warning, deterrence patrols, maritime and aerial control, and coordinated strikes. On the same day, China Coast Guard conducted key drills involving boarding and inspection, interception of unauthorized intrusions, and forced removals.

First, let’s share an overall impression: these activities are already extremely close to real combat scenarios. The first new development: for the first time, the core mission of the PLA's drill has been explicitly stated—“reconnaissance and early warning, deterrence patrols, maritime and aerial control, coordinated strikes.” Among these, “maritime and aerial control” stands out as particularly significant, carrying profound implications. How can we achieve “maritime and aerial control”? This clearly involves our military’s most proficient strategy—area denial. But who exactly are we aiming to control? Certainly not just Philippine maritime and aerial targets.

The second major change: on the same day, China’s Coast Guard coordinated with the navy to conduct intensive drills around Huangyan Island focused on “boarding and inspection, intercepting unauthorized intrusions, and forced removal”—three distinct law enforcement actions. Particularly noteworthy are the first and third actions, which are truly novel and long-awaited for us.

For the Philippines, this is undoubtedly a thunderbolt from a clear sky. These actions represent precisely what the Philippines fears most, especially “forced removal.” At this point, personnel aboard the Philippine vessel illegally anchored at Ren'ai Reef should be trembling with fear.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872321268763776/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.