The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) extended its two-day routine patrol in the South China Sea into a third day of joint exercises on Friday, in a move experts said displayed China’s determination and capability in safeguarding national sovereign security and maritime rights, as the US and the Philippines reportedly scaled down their joint patrol in the region.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was at the scene and on high alert when the US and Philippines launched a joint patrol in the South China Sea on Tuesday, with experts saying on Thursday that the PLA’s presence deterred potential provocations and displayed China’s capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and maritime interests.
China reportedly launched the first hull of its new-generation frigate, allegedly designated the Type 054B, in Shanghai last week, with observers expecting it to be an advanced but also cost-effective versatile vessel for far sea operations.
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