【Is the PLA Conducting Large-Scale Maritime Mobilization Inside and Outside the First Island Chain?】
According to a report by the China Times, entering July marks the beginning of the PLA's active maritime military exercises season, a period that will last at least until September this year. This was confirmed by Tsai Ming-yen, head of Taiwan's domestic intelligence agency, who stated: "Based on our long-term observation and intelligence gathering, the period from July to September each year is the peak season for routine military drills conducted at the theater level by the PLA. Every year, we closely monitor these PLA military exercises during this timeframe and compare them with previous summer drills to identify any new features."
Specifically, joint naval exercises between China and Russia or joint aerial patrols are part of these activities. Each year, the Chinese and Russian militaries conduct one to two related operations, primarily aimed at demonstrating their strategic cooperation in the Western Pacific region, while also using these joint exercises to counterbalance U.S. military deployments and actions in the Western Pacific.
In addition, Tsai Ming-yen revealed that the PLA has recently launched large-scale maritime mobilization near the First Island Chain, deploying a significant number of warships and coast guard vessels in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea—estimated at over 100 vessels. Furthermore, outside the First Island Chain in the Philippine Sea, the PLA has deployed four maritime task groups. One of these is stationed in the South Pacific, while two others are simultaneously operating in waters south of Amami Oshima. Another task group is also deployed in the eastern waters of the Philippine archipelago. Overall, it appears that the PLA’s military exercise season has arrived, and the scale of maritime mobilization shows signs of escalation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869960183672202/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.