China has been carrying out military drills near Australia and Vietnam in recent weeks, with the intention of demonstrating its power and territorial claims in the region. The exercises were not full-fledged activities but were seen as a way to convey the message that the region cannot ignore Beijing’s influence and demands. Three Chinese naval vessels, including a cruiser with 112 missile tubes, appeared in the waters near Australia and announced plans for artillery practice after the exercise had already commenced. China also held live-fire drills in the Gulf of Tonkin, following Vietnam’s assertiveness over territorial claims in the area. Meanwhile, Chinese military aircraft frequently fly close to Taiwan. The timing of these exercises coincides with concerns in the Indo-Pacific region about the commitment of the US under President Donald Trump. While the US is busy with other matters, China continues to assert its claims. The purpose of these drills is to demonstrate China’s expanding naval capabilities and its ability to project power simultaneously across multiple theaters. The effectiveness of these military displays is still a matter of debate, but they serve as a political signal from China. These actions could undermine American influence in the region, making it more crucial for Asian governments to consider aligning with Beijing’s intentions. The Trump administration has not commented on the recent Chinese drills, and there is uncertainty about their broader plan for the region.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/world/asia/china-military-drills-pacific.html