Amid escalating regional tensions, Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), the armed force under the Chinese Communist Partys command, is striving for greater jointness in its military operations. This focus on coordination between various armed services was recently demonstrated in the blockade of a Philippine outpost in the South China Sea and the transfer of naval aviation assets to the PLA Air Force.The PLA Navy (PLAN), China Coast Guard (CCG), and Peoples Armed Forces Maritime Militia recently collaborated on August 5 to blockade a Philippine military outpost at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. This aggressive move aimed to prevent Philippine Coast Guard vessels from resupplying their outpost. Chinas use of water cannons and larger ships to hinder the resupply attempts has heightened tensions in the region.“We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringing activities in these waters. China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, including the Second Thomas Shoal. The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters under Chinas jurisdiction according to law,” a statement from the Chinese military said.Chinas aggressive actions are a clear escalation of its attempts to exert control in the South China Sea. Despite international criticism from countries like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA, China has shown its determination to challenge the Philippines territorial claims.The standoff at Second Thomas Shoal reflects Chinas broader strategy to establish dominance over the South China Sea, a crucial maritime route. The incident also highlights the Philippines shift from passive responses to stronger opposition against Chinese coercion under its current administration.While the Philippines may resort to different tactics to resupply its outpost, Chinas actions underscore its intentions to reshape regional power dynamics. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China has no valid claims in the area, yet its aggressive actions continue.Chinas armed forces see reorganisation as jointness becomes mottoChinas pursuit of jointness is also evident in its reorganisation of aviation units. Naval aviation units have been transferred to the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), aligning with Chinas long-term ambition to improve coordinated military efforts. This move aims to streamline administrative management and enhance standardisation across similar units.Despite the loss of some kinetic capabilities in naval aviation, the PLAN still retains organic information enablers like airborne early warning and unmanned aerial vehicles. The transition to PLAAF command is intended to promote joint command systems and increase efficiency.This restructuring is significant in the context of Chinas push for regional dominance, especially considering its ongoing coercion of Taiwan.
