The South China Sea has become the stage for heightened military maneuvers and geopolitical strategies, underlining its significance to regional security and international trade. Recently, on September 28, 2024, armed forces from five nations—Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand—conducted joint maritime exercises aimed at increasing interoperability among their military units.
The Philippine armed forces emphasized the exercises were centered within Manila's exclusive economic zone and were intended not just as drills, but to showcase collective commitment toward regional stability. Notably, the USS Howard (U.S.), JS Sazanami (Japan), HMNZS Aotearoa (New Zealand), and various Philippine naval vessels took part.
This collaboration is particularly timely, as tensions have been simmering due to China's increasing assertiveness over maritime claims. Just hours before the joint exercises, Chinese troops were reported to be conducting military drills of their own within the contested waters. China's presence and maneuvers have raised alarms, especially concerning its claim over not only the South China Sea but also Taiwan's sovereignty.
Australia's Department of Defense declared these drills as reinforcing their commitment to fostering international cooperation for peace and stability, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. Indeed, the backdrop of these exercises includes frequent air and sea confrontations between Chinese and Philippine military forces over contested features such as the Scarborough Shoal, which has been under Chinese control since 2012.
The tension escalates as naval vessels from New Zealand and Australia navigated through the Taiwan Strait—a move viewed as defiance against China's claims, reinforcing the view of the strait as international waters. This sentiment was echoed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during her recent remarks at the U.N. General Assembly.
Wong highlighted Australia's position, stating, "We have consistently pressed China on peace and stability in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait." This commitment to regional stability is bolstered by the recent resumption of military-level dialogues between the U.S. and China.
Despite these overtures for dialogue, China remains steadfast, asserting its dominion over nearly the entirety of the South China Sea, much to the frustration of its neighboring countries—Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam—who also lay claim to various parts of this rich maritime region. The overlap of such claims has complicated diplomatic efforts and continues to be a flashpoint of regional tensions.
On the other hand, this past week also saw the Quad nations regrouping, reaffirming their commitment to regional security through non-traditional means and partnerships. The Quad summit hosted by President Biden showcased the alliance's enduring strength amid claims of being ‘outdated’ compared to other collaborative security arrangements. Far from obsolete, the Quad's partnerships were framed as pivotal to ensuring norms and order are respected, particularly concerning China's maritime ambitions.
With the Indo-Pacific being intrinsically tied to global commerce—around half of the world's container ships transit through these waters—the stakes couldn’t be higher. The recent joint military exercises reaffirm this strategic significance, symbolizing resistance against unilateral coercion from stronger nations like China.
The overarching message remains clear: these collaborative military drills are not just routine practices but rather strategic demonstrations of multinational resolve to uphold territorial integrity and navigate the murky waters of geopolitical tensions. The unity among these allied nations sends a strong signal to both allies and adversaries, showcasing readiness to confront challenges posed by aggressive maritime maneuvers.
It's evident this patch of ocean is not merely about territorial waters or fishing rights. It's about securing trade routes, ensuring the free movement of goods, and amid the growing rivalry, stating clearly who holds influence and power on the global stage. The recent joint exercises exemplify the strong collective response to any disordered attempt of escalative military action by China, helping maintain a balance of power within the region, and spotlighting the importance of cooperative international naval presence.
