By joining these efforts, Japan is sending a clear message that it’s serious about defending international law and ensuring freedom of navigation in these contested waters.
JS SAZANAMI conducted a JPN-US @US7thFlt-AUS @Australian_Navy -PHL @Philippine_Navy -NZ @NZNavy multilateral exercise as Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea to improve its tactical capabilities and strengthen cooperation with participating Navies. #FOIP pic.twitter.com/E2hxTvSeSb
— JMSDF Self-Defense Fleet ENG (@JMSDF_SDF_ENG) September 30, 2024
China’s Bold Naval Movements
While the Philippines and its partners are busy strengthening their alliances, China isn’t sitting idle.
The Chinese Liaoning Carrier Strike Group (CSG), according to a Friday release by Japan’s Joint Staff Office (JSO), is still in the Philippine Sea, where it’s been carrying out numerous fighter and helicopter operations.
Over the course of a week, the Liaoning conducted 250 fighter launches and 160 helicopter operations, a clear show of force in the region.
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force has been closely monitoring China’s activities, tracking the Liaoning with the destroyer JS Asahi (DD-119).
But China’s naval presence in the region isn’t just about keeping their ships in the water. They’re sending a message that they’re here to stay.
In September, China’s three aircraft carriers were underway simultaneously for the first time ever. https://t.co/bzDEVVbDh8
— Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) September 30, 2024
At the same time, China’s Shandong CSG has completed its deployment after a round of combat training in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific.
Looks like China is actively preparing its navy for potential combat scenarios, and that alone should get the attention of everyone watching.
Teaming Up: Russia and China’s Growing Military Cooperation
It’s not just China making moves. Russia has also joined the fray, partnering with China for the second phase of their Northern-Joint 2024 exercise.
This is a big deal because it signals growing military cooperation between the two countries, both of which have a vested interest in countering Western influence in the region.
During the joint exercise, ships from both superpowers worked on air defense tasks, anti-submarine warfare, and even simulated attacks from unmanned vehicles.
These naval drills took place in the Sea of Okhotsk, near Russia’s Sakhalin Island, and are designed to show that China and Russia are serious about standing together in the face of any potential threats.
This partnership goes beyond exercises, though.
After the drills, both nations plan to continue joint maritime patrols in the Pacific, expanding their presence and influence in the region.
This raises the stakes for countries like Japan and the US, who have long maintained naval dominance in these vital waters.
Japan’s Increased Vigilance
As China and Russia ramp up their naval presence, Japan is paying close attention.
Over the past week, Japan’s JSO has also reported—apart from China’s movements in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea—multiple sightings of Russian naval ships moving around Japan’s northern islands, including destroyers, surveillance ships, and corvettes.
Japan has been quick to shadow these vessels with fast-attack craft and maritime patrol aircraft, making sure they know they’re being watched.
This growing naval activity near Japan’s shores has serious implications for Japan’s defense strategy.
Japan, which has traditionally relied on its alliance with the US for security, is now playing a much bigger role in regional defense.
As Beijing and Moscow grow more aggressive, Japan’s involvement in joint patrols and military operations is becoming increasingly critical.
Final Thoughts: What Does This All Mean?
So, what’s the big takeaway from all this naval maneuvering? It’s clear that the Indo-Pacific is becoming the center of a high-stakes geopolitical chess game.
On one side, you have countries like the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and the US working together to ensure freedom of navigation and counter China’s influence.
On the other side, you have China and Russia building a closer military partnership and expanding their presence in the region.
These moves aren’t just about exercises or shows of force—they’re about the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
#Watch | Five countries, including the Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, conducted joint maritime exercises in the #SouthChinaSea to enhance interoperability. pic.twitter.com/MkFU4ODYVy
— DD India (@DDIndialive) September 29, 2024
If these tensions continue to rise, the region could become a flashpoint for conflict, especially as nations compete for control of critical waterways like the South China Sea.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about who has the more oversized navy—it’s about who can form the strongest partnerships and maintain a presence in these contested waters.
The next few years will continue to remain crucial in determining how these power dynamics play out and whether these joint efforts will be enough to keep the peace in the Indo-Pacific.
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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.
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