China Sends Military Task Groups Through Miyako Strait to Philippine Sea

In a recent development that has raised concerns across the Indo-Pacific region, two separate Chinese military task groups transited the Miyako Strait into the Philippine Sea, as confirmed by Japan’s Joint Staff Office (JSO).

The move, which took place on Tuesday, February 11, signals a continued demonstration of China’s military presence in the region, further intensifying the already complex security dynamics in one of the world’s most strategically vital areas.

The Transits: A Show of Strength

The two Chinese task groups involved in the recent passage through the Miyako Strait include a surface action group and an amphibious task group.

According to the JSO, the surface group was led by the PLAN destroyer CNS Nanjing, frigate CNS Huanggan, and fleet oiler CNS Qiandao Hu.

The ships were sighted sailing southeast in an area northeast of Miyako Island around 11 p.m. Monday (February 10), before making their way through the strait to enter the Philippine Sea.

The amphibious task group, which included the PLAN destroyer CNS Shaoxing, frigate CNS Xuzhou, amphibious transport dock CNS Siming Shan, and amphibious assault ship CNS Anhui, was detected around 3 a.m. Tuesday (February 11).

Like the surface group, this task group also sailed southeast through the waters between Okinawa and Miyako Island to enter the Philippine Sea.

These movements were closely monitored by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, with the JS Shishijima minesweeper and a JMSDF P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft shadowing the Chinese vessels.

The JSO noted that while the Miyako Strait is regularly used by Chinese military ships and aircraft to transit between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, the transit of PLAN amphibious ships through this route is a rare occurrence.

Strategic Significance of the Miyako Strait

The Miyako Strait, a 155-mile wide passageway between Miyako Island and Okinawa, has long been a critical route for military movements in the region.

It serves as a key point of transit between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, an area of growing importance due to its proximity to the contested South China Sea and Taiwan.

While Chinese naval movements through the Miyako Strait are not uncommon, the presence of amphibious ships is unusual.

These ships, which are designed to support landing operations and force projection, raise questions about China’s intentions in the region, particularly concerning Taiwan.

This rare sighting comes after a similar transit on August 17, 2024, involving a PLAN Type 052 destroyer and a Type 075 amphibious assault ship, signaling an increased level of Chinese military activity in this area.

The exact purpose of these deployments remains unclear, with speculation rife about whether the task groups are preparing for potential operations near Taiwan’s east coast or if they are simply en route to a different area of operations.

Given China’s longstanding claims over Taiwan and its military assertiveness in the region, this latest move has fueled concerns that Beijing could be planning more direct action in the near future.

Japan’s military is monitoring 7 PLA Navy vessels that on February 10-11 sailed southeast in the waters between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island, heading toward the Pacific Ocean.

The 7 PLA Navy vessels include 2 Luyang III class missile destroyers, 2 Jankai II class frigates, a… pic.twitter.com/1PDaK0Y48a

— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) February 12, 2025

A Pattern of Military Activity

This recent transit by Chinese forces follows a growing trend of increased military activity in the Indo-Pacific.

Over the past year, there have been numerous reports of Chinese naval and air forces operating near Taiwan, the South China Sea, and other sensitive areas. These movements have often been accompanied by heightened rhetoric from Beijing, emphasizing its strategic interests in the region.

At the same time, the United States and its allies, including Japan, have maintained a strong military presence in the region, conducting joint exercises and operations to counterbalance China’s growing influence.

The US Navy, along with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and other regional partners, regularly participates in training exercises in the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and security in these vital waterways.

Rising Tensions and Diplomatic Implications

The increasing frequency of Chinese military movements in the Miyako Strait and surrounding areas is not without diplomatic implications. As tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea, and other regional disputes continue to simmer, the presence of Chinese naval forces in the Philippine Sea further complicates the security environment.

Japan, which closely monitors Chinese military activity due to its own territorial disputes with Beijing in the East China Sea, has expressed concern over the growing presence of PLAN forces in the region. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s proactive surveillance of the recent Chinese task group movements underscores Japan’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its interests and maintain regional stability.

Naval & Air-Force units from Australia, Japan, the Philippines & USA joined for the #CopeNorth25 exercise in the #IndoPacific, to uphold freedom of navigation & support regional stability. pic.twitter.com/xTolyqRzHV

— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) February 13, 2025

In response to this growing military tension, the United States, Japan, and other Indo-Pacific nations have called for increased dialogue and cooperation to prevent any escalation of conflict.

The US has reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act, and Japan has emphasized its resolve to protect its sovereignty and regional security.

A Critical Moment in Indo-Pacific Security

The recent transit of two Chinese military task groups through the Miyako Strait is a significant development in the ongoing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. While the full scope of China’s military intentions remains unclear, the increasing presence of PLAN ships in these waters, coupled with their unusual use of amphibious vessels, points to a potential shift in Chinese military strategy.