Chinese Carrier Sails Near Philippines, Raising Concerns Taiwan has reported that a Chinese aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has passed through waters close to the Philippines on its way to participate in military drills in the Pacific Ocean. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with concerns about potential military escalations. The Liaoning, accompanied by other Chinese warships, passed through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines. According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, the Chinese carrier group did not enter Philippine territorial waters. The Chinese military has been conducting a series of exercises in the Pacific Ocean, including live-fire drills and carrier-based aircraft operations. The Liaoning’s passage near the Philippines is seen as a show of force by Beijing, which has long claimed sovereignty over Taiwan. The Philippine military has confirmed the presence of the Chinese carrier group but said it did not monitor it closely. The Philippines has maintained a neutral stance in the Taiwan-China dispute but has expressed concern about China’s growing military presence in the region. The United States, a military ally of the Philippines, has also expressed concern about the Chinese carrier’s movements. The US has repeatedly warned China against any attempt to use force to take control of Taiwan. Taiwan has denounced the Chinese carrier’s passage as a “provocation” and a threat to regional stability. The Taiwanese government has called on the international community to condemn China’s actions and support Taiwan’s defense. The Chinese government has defended the drills as necessary to safeguard its national security. Beijing has accused Taiwan of “provocations” and said it will continue to take measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The passage of the Chinese carrier near the Philippines has underscored the heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, and has raised fears of a potential military conflict in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties involved to exercise restraint.Chinese Aircraft Carrier Conducts Drills Near TaiwanChinese Aircraft Carrier Conducts Drills Near Taiwan The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong has passed near the northern Philippines and entered the Pacific Ocean for drills, according to Taiwan’s defense minister. Taiwan reported that dozens of warplanes, including J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers, accompanied the ship. Taiwan’s Close Monitoring Taiwan closely monitors Chinese military movements due to its proximity to the island and ongoing tensions with China. The island’s defense ministry detected the Shandong’s movements and said it had a “full grasp” of the situation. Unusual Route The Shandong bypassed the Bashi Channel, which is the usual route for Chinese warships heading into the Pacific, and instead passed through the Balintang Channel between the Philippines’ Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Concern from the Philippines The Philippine military expressed concern about the deployment of the Chinese carrier group, urging all parties to respect international laws and norms. The Philippines is currently involved in a stand-off with China over the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Japan’s Response Japan’s Self-Defense Forces detected the Shandong and its escorts 500 kilometers south of Okinawa. Japanese navy ships observed their movements while fighter jets scrambled to intercept aircraft launched by the carrier. Ongoing Tensions China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been stepping up its military activities around the island. Taiwan has reported over 270 Chinese military aircraft operating near it since the start of July, as well as joint combat readiness patrols with warplanes and warships. Security Concerns A security source expressed concern about the increased Chinese military activities, noting that the summer months are traditionally a time for drills, but the recent uptick was unusual. Political Tensions China has criticized Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, carrying out war games after he took office. Lai rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, stating that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.A Chinese aircraft carrier passed close to the Philippines on its way to participate in military drills in the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Thursday. The Liaoning carrier group, which includes a destroyer and a frigate, was spotted about 70 nautical miles (130 kilometers) west of the northern Philippine island of Luzon on Wednesday, the ministry said in a statement. The Chinese vessels were “conducting normal exercises” and did not enter Philippine territorial waters, the ministry said. The Liaoning is China’s first operational aircraft carrier. It was commissioned in 2012 and has since participated in several military exercises in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The Chinese carrier’s passage near the Philippines comes at a time of heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened to use force if the island declares independence. The United States, meanwhile, has pledged to support Taiwan in the event of an attack. The Chinese carrier’s passage near the Philippines is likely to be seen as a show of force by Beijing. It also comes at a time when the Philippines is seeking to strengthen its ties with the United States and other Western countries. In recent months, the Philippines has signed a number of agreements with the United States, including a defense pact that allows American troops to rotate through the country. The Philippines has also been working to improve its own military capabilities. In 2018, the country purchased two frigates from South Korea and is planning to acquire more warships in the future.