TAIPEI — The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong passed close to the northern Philippines on its way to the Pacific for drills, Taiwan’s defense minister reported on Wednesday. Taiwan also observed dozens of Chinese warplanes joining the carrier for exercises.
Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, closely monitors Chinese military movements. The Taiwanese defense ministry detected 36 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers, heading to the Western Pacific to participate in drills with the Shandong.
Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed a “full grasp” of the ship’s movements, stating that it did not pass through the usual Bashi Channel but instead took the Balintang Channel route between the Philippines’ Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Regional Reactions
China’s defense ministry did not immediately comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the Philippines military expressed concern over the deployment of the Chinese carrier group. “We emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and urge all parties to adhere to international laws and norms,” stated Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, a spokesperson for the Philippines military.
The Philippines is currently in a stand-off with China over the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, also known as Ayungin Shoal.
Late Tuesday, Japan’s Self Defense Forces detected the Shandong with two missile destroyers and a frigate approximately 500 km (310 miles) south of Okinawa. Japanese navy ships and fighter jets monitored the carrier’s movements.
Ongoing Military Activities
Taiwan has previously reported the Shandong’s operations near the island, including its passage through the Taiwan Strait in December, weeks ahead of Taiwanese elections. Taiwan is set to hold its annual Han Kuang war games starting July 22, prompting China to increase its military activities.
Since July began, Taiwan has reported detecting over 270 Chinese military aircraft and two Chinese “joint combat readiness patrols” involving warplanes and warships around the island. A security source noted that China traditionally conducts drills during the summer months but observed an “unusual” increase in recent movements, indicating a worrying security situation around Taiwan.
China has consistently opposed Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, conducting two days of war games after he took office in May. Beijing considers Lai a “separatist” and has dismissed his offers for talks. Lai rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, asserting that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.