China has covertly deployed H-6 bombers near Scarborough Shoal, simultaneously with U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines. This deployment highlights ongoing territorial disputes and demonstrates China’s military capabilities, despite international rulings against its claims. Analysts suggest the timing of the flights sends a clear strategic message about China’s military strength in the region.

Recent satellite imagery has revealed that China has deployed two long-range H-6 bombers near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This covert operation coincided with the visit of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Philippines, a nation that also asserts its claim over the contested area. The Chinese Ministry of Defense has yet to comment on the deployment’s scale or its timing in relation to the U.S. visit.

During a visit to Manila, Secretary Hegseth reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for the defense treaty with the Philippines, emphasizing that China’s aggressive actions necessitate stronger deterrence in the region. Satellite images captured by Maxar Technologies show the two H-6 bombers operating east of Scarborough Shoal, also known as “Huangyan Dao” in China.

In recent years, tensions have escalated with frequent encounters between Chinese coast guard vessels and Filipino fishermen. Moreover, the Philippines’ coast guard has criticized the Chinese navy for engaging in perilous flight operations near the atoll. An international tribunal in 2016 ruled against China’s territorial claims, a verdict that Beijing has subsequently dismissed.

Maxar Technologies confirmed that the aircraft revealed in the imagery are H-6 bombers, noting that visual anomalies, described as “rainbow colours,” appear when processing images of high-speed objects. Analysts suggest that the timing of such military flights is intentional and implies a strategic message regarding China’s military strength.

Peter Layton of Griffith Asia Institute indicated that Beijing is signalling its military sophistication and capabilities. He stated, “The bombers’ second message could be you (the United States) have the potential for long range strike; so do we, and in larger numbers. Clearly not serendipity.”

The H-6 bombers, based on a Soviet-era design, have been upgraded to carry advanced weaponry, including anti-ship missiles and the potential for nuclear-tipped strikes. The Pentagon’s report suggested the development of a more stealthy aircraft is underway. Recent war games have seen these bombers deployed, including exercises near Taiwan, a territory claimed by China.

These deployments form part of China’s Southern Theatre Command operations, which oversee the South China Sea. The command manages two regiments of H-6 bombers and recently stated that their exercises are designed to “resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and security, and maintain peace in the South China Sea. “, but publicized images of their operations remain unusual.

China’s recent deployment of H-6 bombers near Scarborough Shoal underscores the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and highlights its resolve to assert territorial claims despite international objections. This action aligns with the broader context of regional military activities and signals China’s increasing military capabilities, coinciding with significant diplomatic interactions between the United States and the Philippines. The situation warrants close monitoring as it represents a critical juncture in regional security dynamics.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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