On September 17th, the Yellow Sea’s waves bore witness to a gripping maritime drama as the U.S., joined by Canadian and South Korean forces, showcased their naval prowess in grand-scale exercises. Promoted as a commemoration of the “Inchon Landing” and the establishment of the “US-Korea Alliance,” this was the most significant maritime display in the last decade. The Western media hailed it as the grandest trilateral naval exercise, but discerning eyes speculated: Was this immense show of strength really to deter North Korea, or was China the primary focus?
Yet, in a stunning twist of events, before the allied exercises could gain momentum, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) swiftly entered the game with a series of strategic counter-deployments. In response to the U.S.-led drills, the PLA rolled out its own naval exercises, spanning the Bohai and northern Yellow Seas. This saw a significant number of PLA naval vessels navigating through the Western Pacific. Moreover, a staggering 68 aircraft, including J-16 strike fighters, J-10 fighters, Su-30MKK strike fighters, KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft, Y-9 electronic warfare and surveillance planes, Y-20A tanker aircraft, and BZK-005 UAVs, flew missions around the Taiwan Strait, all within 24 hours.
Undoubtedly, among these formidable maneuvers, the trajectory of China’s Shandong carrier became the focal point. Slicing through the “First Island Chain” and inching closer to the U.S.’s Pacific stronghold of Guam, the Shandong’s movements signaled China’s intent and capability to challenge not just the U.S.’s “First Island Chain” strategy but also to project power near the “Second Island Chain.”
Yet, it wasn’t just the U.S. that was intently watching. Japan, a significant regional player and U.S. ally, found itself in the crosshairs of these maneuvers. Reports from Japan’s Ministry of Defense underscored the unease as the Shandong sailed towards the Ryukyu islands, historically a sensitive area. With the Shandong and accompanying fleet’s proximity, Japanese naval assets were put on high alert, reinforcing the significance of China’s moves in the larger strategic picture of the region.
The interpretation by Western military analysts was almost unanimous: China was deploying a strategy of “fatigue warfare.” As the U.S. and its allies maintained their gaze on the Yellow Sea, the PLA’s extensive operations beyond this theatre were strategically compelling the U.S. to divert attention and resources. With China’s routine operations in the Taiwan Strait becoming increasingly normalized, this massive display appeared to solidify their claim and readiness for Taiwan if necessary.
As the curtain started to fall, the much-anticipated U.S.-Canada-South Korea joint exercise experienced a surprising downscale. Once hyped as a colossal maritime event, it wrapped up with a mere trio of vessels and over 3,000 personnel, concluding in less than five hours. Adding to the unfolding intrigue, the USS America’s stark absence of its F-35B aircraft underscored questions about the U.S.’s operational intent in this maritime theater.
China’s decisive counter to the U.S.-led naval exercise unveiled a fresh chapter in Pacific strategies. As nations realign their pieces on this vast maritime chessboard, it’s evident: The Western Pacific’s traditional playbook is undergoing a radical transformation.