China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has intensified its military posture near the Philippines, with its Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group advancing to waters east of Samar Island, the furthest deployment of the carrier to date.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces tracked the group, noting over 260 aircraft operations, signaling enhanced combat readiness and regional power projection.
Simultaneously, PLAN warships conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea, while amphibious warfare exercises were led by China’s largest assault ship, CNS Hainan.
Chinese officials downplayed the maneuvers as routine, but defense analysts view the coordinated deployments as a strategic message to the U.S., Taiwan, Japan, and particularly the Philippines.
A retired Philippine Navy officer warned that the movements reflect a “calibrated pressure strategy,” urging Manila to bolster maritime domain awareness and defense partnerships.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 4, 2025
