China Deploys Its 1st Domestically-built Aircraft Carrier, ‘Shandong' Off Philippine Coast

China has deployed its indigenously developed ‘Shandong’ aircraft carrier near the Philippines.

According to sources, the ‘Shandong’ was spotted sailing near Luzon Island, some 200 nautical miles from the Philippines.

The carrier’s deployment is considered a response to what Chinese state media described as the Philippines’ “continuous provocations” against Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

The ‘Shandong’, commissioned in 2019, is China’s second aircraft carrier and the first built domestically.

It has a displacement of around 70,000 tonnes and uses conventional steam turbines with diesel generators for propulsion.

It also has a ski-jump take-off system similar to its predecessor, the ‘Liaoning’.

Recent tensions have resulted in conflicts between both countries, including a reported collision between Philippine naval vessels and Chinese ships near the Second Thomas Shoal.

The incident highlights the region’s longstanding territorial issues, worsened by various sovereignty and maritime rights claims.

China’s deployment of the ‘Shandong’ follows previous deployments of advanced surface combatants and amphibious assault ships to the South China Sea, demonstrating a robust military presence geared at protecting what Beijing claims is its territorial sovereignty.

The United States has also joined the conflict, supporting the Philippines in advancing its rights based on a 2016 International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision invalidating much of China’s broad claims in the South China Sea.

China and the United States’ strategic positioning of military assets reflects more extensive geopolitical maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific area.

Analysts believe that China’s measures, particularly the deployment of its aircraft carrier, serve as both a deterrence and a demonstration of military capability amid rising tensions with regional neighbours and international players.

The deployment of the ‘Shandong’ demonstrates China’s commitment to assert its maritime rights despite international legal rulings and criticism from neighbouring nations.

The situation remains volatile, with possible regional stability and global security dynamics consequences.

As both sides continue to deploy their military assets, the South China Sea remains a source of geopolitical tension.

It highlights the Asia-Pacific region’s complex interactions of territorial disputes, international law, and strategic alliances.

Reference: Eurasian Times, Business Standard

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