Chinese Naval Drills East of Luzon Coincide with US-Philippine-Japan Balikatan Exercises

Apr 24, 2026, 12:29

Introduction

The People''s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command announced on April 24 that it had recently conducted naval exercises, including live-fire operations, in waters east of Luzon Island, Philippines. The command described the drills as a necessary measure given the current regional security situation. The exercises happened at the same time as the start of the annual Balikatan military exercises, which involve about 8,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines, with Japan taking part for the first time.

Main Body

According to a statement from the Southern Theatre Command, a naval group led by the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Zunyi carried out activities including live-fire shooting, sea-air coordination, rapid maneuvering, and refueling at sea. The command stated that these operations were designed to test combined combat abilities. The Chinese military did not reveal the exact time or location of the drills, but said that the exercise fully followed international law and practice. It further noted that the Southern Theatre Command would continue to conduct similar military operations as needed for security, in order to protect national sovereignty and keep the region stable. The Balikatan exercises started on the Monday before the Chinese announcement and are planned to last 19 days. This year''s version, called Balikatan 2026 in one report, includes Japanese combat troops for the first time. The exercises are taking place in areas that face the South China Sea and Taiwan, including Luzon. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not reply to a request for comment on the Chinese drills.

Conclusion

The Chinese drills and the Balikatan exercises happened close in time and location. Both sides described their activities as normal and defensive. China pointed to regional security needs, while the US-led alliance continued its yearly training program.

Vocabulary Learning

combined combat abilities
The integrated fighting capabilities of different military branches.聯合作戰能力
Example:The operations were designed to test combined combat abilities.
live-fire operations
Military exercises using real ammunition.實彈演習
Example:The PLA conducted naval exercises including live-fire operations.
national sovereignty
The authority of a country to govern itself.國家主權
Example:The exercises aimed to protect national sovereignty.
rapid maneuvering
Quick and skillful movement of ships or vehicles.快速機動
Example:The naval group carried out rapid maneuvering during the exercises.
sea-air coordination
Coordinated operations between naval and air forces.海空協調
Example:The drills included sea-air coordination activities.

Sentence Learning

The exercises happened at the same time as the start of the annual Balikatan military exercises, which involve about 8,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines, with Japan taking part for the first time.
This sentence uses a non-restrictive relative clause ('which involve...') to add extra information about the Balikatan exercises. It helps organize the idea by providing details without breaking the main clause.此句使用非限制性關係從句（「which involve...」）來補充關於「肩並肩」演習的額外資訊，有助於在不打斷主句的情況下提供細節。
The Chinese military did not reveal the exact time or location of the drills, but said that the exercise fully followed international law and practice.
This sentence uses the conjunction 'but' to show contrast between two actions (not revealing vs. saying). It also uses reported speech ('said that...') to convey the military's statement. This structure helps present opposing information clearly.此句使用連詞「but」來顯示兩個動作（沒有透露 vs. 表示）之間的對比，同時使用轉述句（「said that...」）來傳達軍方的聲明。這種結構有助於清晰地呈現對立資訊。
The Balikatan exercises started on the Monday before the Chinese announcement and are planned to last 19 days.
This sentence uses the passive voice ('are planned') to focus on the action (planning) rather than the agent. It helps organize information by emphasizing the duration of the exercises.此句使用被動語態（「are planned」）來強調動作（計劃）而非執行者，有助於突出演習的持續時間。
This year's version, called Balikatan 2026 in one report, includes Japanese combat troops for the first time.
This sentence uses a reduced passive relative clause ('called Balikatan 2026') to identify the version. It helps provide specific naming information concisely.此句使用簡化被動關係從句（「called Balikatan 2026」）來標明版本，有助於簡潔地提供具體名稱資訊。
China pointed to regional security needs, while the US-led alliance continued its yearly training program.
This sentence uses the linking word 'while' to show contrast between China's action and the US-led alliance's action. It helps organize the idea by comparing two different perspectives.此句使用連接詞「while」來顯示中國的行動與美國主導聯盟的行動之間的對比，有助於比較兩種不同觀點。