China Challenges U.S. and Philippine Militaries
China’s military tried to kick out United States and Philippine aircraft from the Scarborough Shoal as the two allies began joint military drills there on Monday.
- China is becoming increasingly aggressive near this shoal and in other Philippine waters, even when it means challenging the U.S. military.
Philippines: As a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources plane conducted a maritime domain awareness flight over Scarborough, a Chinese Navy helicopter challenged it over radio in an attempt to drive the aircraft out of the area. The Philippine aircraft reported five Chinese Coast Guard ships, five military vessels and one military plane.
China reportedly intercepted two Philippine ships in the area that same day.
United States: China also attempted to drive away America’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The plane reported four Chinese Coast Guard ships and one military vessel tailing Philippine military ships.
Drills: The “Sabak 2025” is the first annual joint exercises between the Philippines and America under U.S. President Donald Trump’s new administration. “Sabak 2025” focuses on joint defense of the Philippines by combining two exercises:
- “Salaknib”: An annual joint exercise between the Philippine and U.S. armies, including 3,000 Philippine soldiers and 2,000 from the U.S.
- “Balikatan”: The largest bilateral exercise of the nations, including each branch of both militaries. These drills will begin in late April.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Philippines on Friday in his first trip to Asia since taking office.
Prophesied aggression: Bible prophecy says China will soon become a stronger military superpower than the U.S. Because of this, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has said China’s aggression and boldness will continue.
Learn more: Read “China Is Steering the World Toward War.”
