Chinese Military Experts Respond to Western Media Claims of Bomber Deployment in South China Sea

In late February 2023, a bomber from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command was seen preparing for a flight training exercise on the runway. Reports from Western media on Wednesday focused on an alleged deployment of advanced Chinese bombers to an island in the South China Sea, claiming this indicated China's advancing military capabilities. However, Chinese military analysts pointed out that, even if the deployment occurred, it is merely a routine assertion of China's sovereignty over the island in question.

The reports, which were based on satellite imagery from Reuters, suggested that two of China's H-6 bombers landed on Yongxing Dao for the first time since 2020. Furthermore, the analysis from Reuters attempted to link this military maneuver to ongoing developments in China-Philippines relations, activities near Taiwan, and the approaching Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, suggesting the move represents a demonstration of China's military growth. As of the publication date, no official confirmation regarding the reported deployment had been issued by Chinese authorities, as noted by the Global Times.

Military expert Zhang Junshe commented on the situation, stating that the discussions surrounding the deployment highlighted a selective media focus. He questioned why Western media seemed unfazed by U.S. bomber movements across regions like Guam, Japan, or South Korea, yet found significance in China's actions. Another expert, Song Zhongping, added that warplanes are not always stationed on the islands due to the harsh environmental conditions but may undergo rotational deployments which serve a legitimate purpose in maintaining national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated the significance of the Yongxing Dao as undisputed Chinese land.

The PLA has conducted various exercises involving bombers at the South China Sea islands, with a notable exercise reported in May 2018. After earlier foreign claims of bomber deployments in 2020, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Xisha Qundao is unequivocally Chinese territory, reiterating that the nation’s defense developments within its territory are within its sovereign rights.