U.S. Navy & Philippines Forces Sink Decommissioned Tanker In South China Sea

In an epic display of military strength, US, Australian, and Philippine soldiers sank a decommissioned product tanker during an exercise in the South China Sea.

The action, designed to test technology and targeting techniques, served as a stark reminder of the region’s growing tensions.

The exercise targeted the BRP Lake Caliraya, a small tanker built in a Chinese shipyard.

Despite Beijing’s concerns, Manila maintained that the vessel’s selection was unplanned.

The joint force used a wide range of weapons, including cannons, coastal artillery, and missile systems such as the APKWS rocket system, the C-Star, GBU-38 JDAM and the Spike NLOS.

The APKWS, an advanced precision weapon system that is affordable and easy to deploy, was especially interesting.

Attached to 2.75-inch Hydra 70 rockets, it offers a low-cost alternative for precision targeting over short distances.

The exercise also showed the adaptation of low-cost weapons, such as the cannons of an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, demonstrating the adaptability of military strategies in the face of changing threats.

Military officials and diplomats from numerous countries witnessed the drill, including over 16,000 personnel from the United States, the Philippines, and Australia.

It was part of the yearly Balikatan combat readiness drills, highlighting the US and Philippines’ growing defence collaboration in reaction to China’s assertive operations in disputed territory.

Video Credits: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has highlighted the importance of shifting military attention away from internal anti-insurgency operations and toward external defence, reflecting the Biden administration’s focus on strengthening Indo-Pacific partnerships.

China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly the harassment of Philippine Navy and Coast Guard vessels, have exacerbated tensions.

In response to the drills, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Romualdez emphasized the country’s reliance on the United States in times of increasing pressure from Beijing.

In response, China has said that the Philippines is provoking conflict in the area while ignoring decisions from international arbitration that invalidate its broad territorial claims.

The sinking of the mock enemy ship, set against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions and high-seas conflicts, highlights the South China Sea’s potentially dangerous condition.

With repeated occurrences raising concerns for larger conflicts, the international community is keeping a tight eye on the situation and is aware of the implications.

Late last year, the United States issued a stern warning to China, reaffirming its willingness to protect the Philippines in the case of an armed attack.

As provocations escalate, the area remains on edge, with each military action as a sharp reminder of the unstable balance of power in the South China Sea.

Reference: India TV News, CTV News

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