Russian frigates in the South China Sea: support China or deter the United States? Recently, a frigate of the Russian Pacific Fleet "Shaposhnikov" conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea. During this exercise, the Russian frigate successfully destroyed the submarine of the "imaginary enemy". Earlier, two Russian warships also simulated the process of "repelling imaginary enemy aviation" in the East China Sea, and then came to the South China Sea to carry out navigation missions. This series of events demonstrates Russia's support for China in the South China Sea. At a time when the Philippines and the United States have recently repeatedly provoked China's sovereignty, Russia's appearance in the South China Sea has been interpreted by the outside world as solidarity with China. The Philippine defense secretary has threatened to strengthen external defenses, while the United States has announced that it will strengthen defense cooperation with the Philippines and continue to promote joint patrols in the South China Sea. So, is the arrival of the Russian Navy frigate to support China or to deter the United States? First, let's be clear that China has legitimate sovereignty over the South China Sea.
Under international law, China has sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its affiliated islands. In recent years, the Philippines and the United States have frequently provoked China's sovereignty and continuously adopted some double standards. This makes China uneasy and makes it need to seek external support to defend its rights. As an important strategic partner of China, Russia has always given firm support to China. The two teams have conducted a number of joint military exercises, not only to strengthen the friendly and cooperative relations between them, but also to show the outside world that China is not alone. What does the arrival of the Russian Navy frigate mean at a time of turmoil in the South China Sea? First, it proves that China is not alone, backed by a powerful ally, Russia. This is undoubtedly a positive signal for China, and it will also effectively deter countries that seek to challenge China's sovereignty. Secondly, the arrival of Russia can also be interpreted as a shock to the United States.
The United States has been trying to expand its influence in the South China Sea region, containing China by forming alliances with countries such as the Philippines. Russia's presence, however, gives the United States a warning: not to underestimate the power of China and its allies. Of course, stability and peace in the South China Sea are the common aspirations of all countries. China has long advocated dialogue and cooperation to resolve disputes in the South China Sea, rather than through military means. Russia's support is also aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. After all, no country wants to see the South China Sea become a battlefield of conflict. Therefore, the arrival of the Russian frigate is not to support China or deter the United States, but to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. This has always been the common goal of Russia and China. Only through cooperation and consultation can lasting peace and prosperity in the South China Sea be achieved. ENDS: The holding of joint military exercises between China and Russia in the South China Sea has attracted global attention.
The significance of this military exercise is not only to defend China's sovereignty, but also to send a warning to some countries with bad intentions. Although Russia's current military presence in the South China Sea cannot be compared with the US military stationed in the region, Russia's move is strategically important and symbolic. Russia's accession is tantamount to sending a clear message to the United States and its allies that any attempt to weaken China's regional influence in the South China Sea will be followed and even countered by Russia. This is a strong support for China and an additional boost for China in the international community. The balance of power in the South China Sea has always been a sensitive topic. The United States and its allies have deployed a large number of military forces in the region in an attempt to weaken China's influence in the region through military pressure. However, the appearance of the Russian fleet can strengthen China's position in the South China Sea and bring a new balance to the region.
The holding of this military exercise has also made people think about the question: Will China and Russia continue to support each other, jointly respond to the hegemonic challenge of the United States and other countries, and maintain regional peace and stability? The answer is probably yes. China and Russia have close cooperation in the political, economic and military spheres. Russia has always emphasized safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability, while China has always insisted on resolving disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful and cooperative means. Therefore, it is foreseeable that China and Russia will continue to work together to address external challenges. In addition to the joint military exercises between China and Russia, other important events have taken place in the South China Sea. For example, China recently built an artificial island on the Spratly Islands and deployed military installations on it. The move has raised concerns among the United States and its allies, who believe that China is expanding its military presence in the South China Sea. However, the Chinese side said that these measures are to protect its own *** and sovereignty.
Disputes in the South China Sea focus on resource use, freedom of navigation, and territorial disputes. According to international law, sovereignty in the South China Sea should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. However, due to the conflict of interests of all parties and historical issues, this issue has not been effectively resolved. In order to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, all parties should persist in resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and refrain from the use of force and unilateral actions. At the same time, the international community should strengthen monitoring and mediation to provide a just and equitable solution for all parties. All in all, the holding of joint military exercises between China and Russia has triggered a new balance in the South China Sea. Russia's accession provides important support for China and a clear warning to the United States and its allies. China and Russia will continue to work together to address external hegemonic challenges and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
All parties should persist in resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, refrain from the use of force and unilateral actions, and make positive contributions to the peaceful development of the South China Sea.