Chinese Navy Drills Near Philippines (CEFR Compare)

Apr 24, 2026, 12:29

Chinese Navy Drills Near Philippines

Introduction

The Chinese army said on April 24 that its navy did exercises east of Luzon Island. The exercises included shooting. The army said the exercises were important for safety in the area. At the same time, the US, Philippines, and Japan started their yearly exercises. Japan joined for the first time.

Main Body

A Chinese navy ship named Zunyi did shooting, moving fast, and getting supplies at sea. The army said these actions tested how well different parts of the military work together. China did not say the exact time or place. It said the exercises followed international rules. China said it will do more exercises to protect the country and keep the area safe. The Balikatan exercises started on Monday. They will last 19 days. For the first time, Japan sent soldiers. The exercises are near the South China Sea and Taiwan. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not answer questions about the Chinese drills.

Conclusion

The Chinese drills and the Balikatan exercises happened near each other in time and place. Both sides said their exercises were normal and for safety. China said it needed to keep the area safe. The US and its friends did their yearly training.

Vocabulary Learning

exercises

Activities to practice skills.練習

Example:The soldiers did exercises.

join

To become part of a group or activity.加入

Example:Japan joined the exercises.

normal

Usual, not special.正常

Example:The drills were normal.

protect

To keep someone or something safe.保護

Example:The army protects the country.

safety

Being safe, not in danger.安全

Example:Safety is important.

Sentence Learning

The Chinese army said on April 24 that its navy did exercises east of Luzon Island.

Simple past tense 'said' and 'did'. 'that' introduces a reported statement.本句使用一般过去时'said'和'did'。'that'引导一个间接引语从句。

The exercises included shooting.

Simple past tense 'included'. The subject 'exercises' is plural.本句使用一般过去时'included'。主语'exercises'为复数。

A Chinese navy ship named Zunyi did shooting, moving fast, and getting supplies at sea.

Past tense 'did'. Three actions listed with commas and 'and'. 'named' is a past participle describing the ship.本句使用过去时'did'。三个动作由逗号和'and'并列列出。'named'是过去分词修饰船。

China said it will do more exercises to protect the country and keep the area safe.

Past tense 'said' followed by future 'will do'. 'to protect' and 'keep' are infinitives showing purpose.本句使用过去时'said'后接将来时'will do'。'to protect'和'keep'是不定式表示目的。

For the first time, Japan sent soldiers.

Simple past tense 'sent'. 'For the first time' is a time phrase at the beginning.本句使用一般过去时'sent'。'For the first time'是置于句首的时间短语。

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

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。

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

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 characterized the drills as a necessary measure in light of the prevailing regional security environment. The exercises occurred simultaneously with the commencement of the annual Balikatan military exercises involving approximately 8,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines, with Japan participating for the first time.

Main Body

According to a statement from the Southern Theatre Command, a naval formation led by the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Zunyi executed activities encompassing live-fire shooting, sea-air coordination, rapid maneuvering, and maritime replenishment. The command stated that these operations were designed to test integrated joint combat capabilities. The Chinese military did not disclose the precise timing or geographic coordinates of the drills but asserted that the exercise complied fully with international law and practice. It further indicated that the Southern Theatre Command would continue to conduct corresponding military operations as dictated by security requirements to protect national sovereignty and regional stability. The Balikatan exercises, which began on the Monday prior to the Chinese announcement, are scheduled to last 19 days. This year''s iteration, referred to as Balikatan 2026 in one report, includes combat troops from Japan for the first time. The exercises are taking place in areas facing the South China Sea and Taiwan, including Luzon. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not respond to a request for comment on the Chinese drills.

Conclusion

The Chinese drills and the Balikatan exercises took place in close temporal and geographic proximity. Both parties characterized their activities as routine and defensive, with China citing regional security needs and the US-led alliance continuing its annual training program.

Vocabulary Learning

commencement

The beginning or start of something.開始；開端

Example:The exercises occurred simultaneously with the commencement of the annual Balikatan military exercises.

iteration

A repetition or version of a process or event.迭代；重複；版本

Example:This year's iteration, referred to as Balikatan 2026 in one report, includes combat troops from Japan for the first time.

prevailing

Existing or most common at a particular time; current.現行的；普遍的

Example:The command characterized the drills as a necessary measure in light of the prevailing regional security environment.

replenishment

The action of filling something up again, especially with supplies.補充；補給

Example:A naval formation led by the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Zunyi executed activities encompassing live-fire shooting, sea-air coordination, rapid maneuvering, and maritime replenishment.

temporal

Relating to time.時間的；時間上的

Example:The Chinese drills and the Balikatan exercises took place in close temporal and geographic proximity.

Sentence Learning

The exercises occurred simultaneously with the commencement of the annual Balikatan military exercises involving approximately 8,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines, with Japan participating for the first time.

Main clause: 'The exercises occurred simultaneously with the commencement of the annual Balikatan military exercises'. Then a present participial phrase 'involving approximately 8,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines' modifying 'exercises'. Then an absolute construction 'with Japan participating for the first time' providing additional information. This structure combines a participial modifier and an absolute clause, adding complexity.主句為「The exercises occurred simultaneously with the commencement of the annual Balikatan military exercises」，後接現在分詞短語「involving approximately 8,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines」修飾「exercises」，再以獨立主格結構「with Japan participating for the first time」補充額外信息。此結構結合了分詞修飾語和獨立主格，增加了句子的複雜性。

Fronted prepositional phrase 'According to a statement from the Southern Theatre Command' sets the source. Main clause: 'a naval formation executed activities'. The noun phrase 'a naval formation' is modified by a past participial phrase 'led by the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Zunyi'. The object 'activities' is modified by a present participial phrase 'encompassing live-fire shooting, sea-air coordination, rapid maneuvering, and maritime replenishment'. This sentence uses two participial phrases (past and present) and a fronted adverbial, demonstrating high lexical density.句首為介詞短語「According to a statement from the Southern Theatre Command」交代來源。主句為「a naval formation executed activities」。名詞短語「a naval formation」由過去分詞短語「led by the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Zunyi」修飾。賓語「activities」由現在分詞短語「encompassing live-fire shooting, sea-air coordination, rapid maneuvering, and maritime replenishment」修飾。此句使用了兩個分詞短語（過去和現在）以及句首狀語，體現了高詞彙密度。

It further indicated that the Southern Theatre Command would continue to conduct corresponding military operations as dictated by security requirements to protect national sovereignty and regional stability.

Main clause 'It further indicated' with a that-clause as object. The that-clause: 'the Southern Theatre Command would continue to conduct corresponding military operations'. This is followed by a past participial phrase 'as dictated by security requirements' acting as an adverbial of manner. Then an infinitive of purpose 'to protect national sovereignty and regional stability'. The sentence features a complex subordinate clause with passive construction and purpose infinitive.主句「It further indicated」後接that從句作賓語。that從句為「the Southern Theatre Command would continue to conduct corresponding military operations」，其後跟過去分詞短語「as dictated by security requirements」作方式狀語，再以目的不定式「to protect national sovereignty and regional stability」結尾。該句包含複雜的從句、被動結構和目的不定式。

Both parties characterized their activities as routine and defensive, with China citing regional security needs and the US-led alliance continuing its annual training program.

Main clause 'Both parties characterized their activities as routine and defensive'. Then an absolute construction introduced by 'with': 'with China citing regional security needs and the US-led alliance continuing its annual training program'. This absolute construction contains two parallel participial phrases: 'China citing...' and 'the US-led alliance continuing...'. This is a sophisticated use of an absolute clause to provide accompanying circumstances.主句「Both parties characterized their activities as routine and defensive」，後接由「with」引導的獨立主格結構：「with China citing regional security needs and the US-led alliance continuing its annual training program」。此獨立主格結構包含兩個並列的分詞短語：「China citing...」和「the US-led alliance continuing...」。這是使用獨立主格結構提供伴隨情況的複雜用法。

The Chinese military did not disclose the precise timing or geographic coordinates of the drills but asserted that the exercise complied fully with international law and practice.

This is a compound sentence with a contrastive conjunction 'but'. The first clause: 'The Chinese military did not disclose the precise timing or geographic coordinates of the drills'. The second clause: 'asserted that the exercise complied fully with international law and practice'. The second clause contains a that-clause as object. The contrast between not disclosing and asserting compliance adds rhetorical nuance. The sentence also uses parallel noun phrases 'precise timing or geographic coordinates'.這是一個由轉折連詞「but」連接的並列句。第一個分句：「The Chinese military did not disclose the precise timing or geographic coordinates of the drills」。第二個分句：「asserted that the exercise complied fully with international law and practice」，其中包含一個that從句作賓語。不披露與聲稱合規之間的對比增加了修辭色彩。句子還使用了並列名詞短語「precise timing or geographic coordinates」。