- Beijing’s Military Maneuvers Signal Strength as U.S. Reaffirms Defense Pact with the Philippines
In a significant display of military power, China has deployed two long-range H-6 bombers near the highly contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Satellite images obtained by Maxar Technologies, taken on March 24, 2025, revealed the presence of the aircraft east of the shoal. The move, unpublicized by Beijing, is widely seen as a direct assertion of its sovereignty over the disputed territory and a signal to both regional and global actors.
The deployment comes at a crucial time, coinciding with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s inaugural visit to the Philippines. The trip, scheduled for March 27-28, reinforced Washington’s commitment to the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. During his meetings with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Hegseth reiterated the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to protecting Philippine sovereignty, particularly in light of China’s aggressive actions in the region.
China’s defense ministry has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the scale of the bomber deployment or whether it was deliberately timed to coincide with the U.S. official’s visit. Meanwhile, Philippine officials have also refrained from making official statements regarding the incident.
Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China, has long been a point of contention between Beijing and Manila. China seized de facto control of the shoal in 2012, leading to repeated confrontations between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine fishermen. The shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), approximately 200 nautical miles from its coast, yet Beijing continues to assert its dominance over the area.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis. However, Beijing rejected the ruling outright and has since increased its militarization of the region. Over the past decade, the Chinese military has systematically expanded its presence by constructing artificial islands, deploying advanced radar systems, and installing missile batteries in disputed territories.
The H-6 bomber, developed from a Soviet-era design, has undergone several modernizations and now serves as a cornerstone of China’s strategic air force. Capable of carrying an array of anti-ship and land-attack missiles, including nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, the H-6 represents a significant long-range strike capability for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
China has steadily increased its bomber operations in the South China Sea since 2018, beginning with landings on upgraded runways in the Paracel Islands. Recent military exercises have featured H-6 bombers in simulated attack drills against maritime targets, reinforcing concerns among neighboring nations about Beijing’s military ambitions.
Security experts suggest that the latest deployment is not merely an isolated event but part of a broader strategy to normalize Chinese military presence near Scarborough Shoal. “The presence of these bombers is meant to serve as a deterrent to both the U.S. and the Philippines,” said Peter Layton of Australia’s Griffith Asia Institute. “It sends a message that China has the capability for long-range strikes and will not hesitate to project power in contested areas.”
China’s latest move further inflames an already volatile security environment in the South China Sea. Last month, the Philippine Coast Guard accused the Chinese navy of performing dangerous flight maneuvers near Philippine vessels in the region. In past encounters, Chinese maritime forces have used high-powered water cannons and ramming tactics against Philippine supply boats attempting to access outposts in the contested waters.
In response to these provocations, the U.S. and the Philippines have outlined a four-pronged plan to enhance bilateral defense cooperation:
- Advanced Military Capabilities: The U.S. will provide the Philippines with the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and unmanned surface vehicles for joint exercises, strengthening Manila’s maritime deterrence.
- High-Intensity Training Exercises: U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct joint operations, including amphibious landing drills and counter-air defense training, to improve interoperability and readiness.
- Defense Industrial Partnership: Both countries will collaborate on defense production, focusing on the development of unmanned systems and logistical support enhancements.
- Cybersecurity Cooperation: A new cybersecurity initiative aims to bolster the Philippines’ resilience against digital threats and enhance coordination on cyber defense strategies.
Hegseth emphasized that these measures are essential to preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific region. “The United States will not allow aggressive behavior to threaten the free movement of commerce or the security of our allies,” he stated during a press conference in Manila.
The Chinese bomber deployment underscores Beijing’s resolve to solidify its claims over disputed territories, raising concerns about the potential for miscalculations or accidental clashes. Analysts warn that the growing military presence in the South China Sea could lead to an unintended crisis, especially if direct confrontations escalate.
Beyond immediate security concerns, China’s actions also challenge the credibility of international law. By disregarding the 2016 arbitration ruling, Beijing undermines the established legal framework governing maritime disputes, setting a precedent that other revisionist powers might exploit.
The Philippines, while reliant on U.S. military support, faces the delicate task of balancing its economic ties with China against its national security interests. Beijing remains Manila’s largest trading partner, and any major escalation could jeopardize economic cooperation in infrastructure development and trade.
For Washington, the challenge lies in deterring Chinese aggression without provoking direct military conflict. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, regularly deploying warships through contested waters to challenge China’s expansive territorial claims.
China’s latest show of force near Scarborough Shoal is a stark reminder of the fragile security situation in the South China Sea. While Beijing seeks to cement its dominance, regional actors, including the Philippines and the U.S., are stepping up efforts to counterbalance its ambitions. As tensions escalate, the need for diplomatic dialogue and robust deterrence measures becomes more urgent than ever.
