As soon as the U.S. intermediate-range missiles arrived in the Philippines, the WZ-7 drones paid a visit without notice, indicating that a firepower strike would only take 300 seconds.
According to reports from multiple media outlets, the United States has deployed intermediate-range missile systems in the Philippines, firmly stating its intention to carry out various deterrence and strike actions against China’s coastal areas. At this time, Chinese drones appeared, shocking both the Philippines and the United States. These drones had previously flown over the Sea of Japan, where even Japanese F-15 fighter jets could only photograph their undersides because they couldn’t reach their altitude. The previous tracking methods, which relied on “official photographers,” were undergoing changes in perspective.
Now, the WZ-7 drones have new targets in the South China Sea, possibly with specific intentions. China’s routine navigation and reconnaissance activities are part of regular training exercises. The U.S. “Typhon” system is set to deploy in the northern Philippines, directly targeting China’s periphery, especially the Taiwan Strait, posing significant deterrence in Hainan Island and coastal areas. The key is that within a 1800-kilometer radius, Shanghai and Wuhan are within striking range. The Chinese military must conduct reconnaissance and surveillance on these “uninvited guests.”
With its long endurance and multi-modal reconnaissance capabilities, the WZ-7 can effectively track the activities of the “Typhon” system in the Philippines. It can monitor the system’s launches and changes in positions clearly. Given its large size, if it carries “Tomahawk” missiles around, China can pinpoint its movements, such as its maneuvers and missile deployment locations. If it rapidly erects, it indicates a state of readiness. This enables immediate surveillance of any abnormal actions and guides efficient firepower for strikes.
In addition to satellite surveillance of the U.S. intermediate-range missiles on a daily basis, drone operations may be even more efficient since they can see everything. The Philippines may feel a bit nervous seeing these drones. Similarly, as a military power, the United States also feels the strength of the WZ-7, a high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance weapon with strong multi-modal targeting and tracking capabilities. Any rash actions will undoubtedly be observed, including signs of abnormal behavior.
If the PLA resorts to forceful means of attack, the consequences would be dire. After all, the distance is not far. From Luzon Island, measure the distance to China’s coastline. If various weapons systems are used, such as ballistic missiles, 300 seconds would be enough. If other naval vessels and weapons are used, the speed would be faster, and the time shorter.
Although intermediate-range missiles have been deployed in the Philippines, their effectiveness seems limited. Their deployment in the vicinity serves as a label for the U.S.’ Indo-Pacific strategy and island chain strategy, but their actual attack effect is not significant. From a practical deployment perspective, the closer you are to others, the closer your face is to theirs. If you slap someone nearby, the palm print will be clearly visible.
By deploying offensive weapons near China’s doorstep, China’s integrated land, sea, air, and space reconnaissance system can locate, track, and monitor them. Combined with the rapid response capabilities of various Chinese combat platforms, the mission can be completed within 300 seconds. Although the “Typhon” system flew over ten hours on a C-17 to deploy and demonstrate its power nearby, it had little effect.
Given China’s reconnaissance, control, and strike capabilities in the surrounding areas, targeting and attacking equipment without protective capabilities can yield results in a short time.
Traveling thousands of miles to flaunt power near China, its actions can be effectively countered through China’s actions, and it can be completely neutralized in a short time. Remember 300 seconds; China can almost completely destroy the “Typhon” system in the northern Philippines. If more “Typhon” systems appear, sorry, China’s striking capabilities against such targets can be significantly enhanced with just a little more effort. (Du Wenlong)