China carried out its first bomber formation patrol over the disputed South China Sea on Sunday. Fighter jets escorted the bombers. Beijing said it acted in response to the Philippines’ recent joint naval patrols with the United States and Japan.

The Global Times reported that the PLA Southern Theatre Command confirmed the patrol. This was the first time China publicly announced such an operation.

Beijing Reasserts Its Broad Claims

China claims almost the entire South China Sea. But the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan dispute this sweeping claim. The region remains tense because it is one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

The Philippines completed a two-day maritime drill with US and Japanese forces from Friday to Saturday.

PLA Warns Manila Against Provocations

Senior Colonel Tian Junli accused the Philippines of working with “external forces” and conducting “joint patrols” that undermine regional peace.

“We solemnly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop provoking incidents and escalating tensions,” he said.

Tian said PLA forces remain fully alert. He added they will “resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and peace and stability in the South China Sea region.”

“Any attempt to infringe on the sovereignty and stir up trouble will never succeed,” he asserted.

Experts Say Bombers Strengthen China’s Strike Power

Military analysts said the bomber formation shows China’s stronger strike capability. Song Zhongping told the Global Times that bombers are among China’s most powerful weapons. He said they can carry out “effective saturation attacks” even against large warships.

Song said the Philippines’ cooperation with outside powers challenges China’s sovereignty. He added that the bomber patrol warns “provocateurs’ warships.”

Philippines–China Tensions Keep Rising

Relations between China and the Philippines have worsened in recent months. Their navy and coast guard vessels have collided near contested reefs and shoals. Each side blames the other for aggressive manoeuvres.

China–Japan Relations Also Under Strain

China’s bomber patrol also came during a fresh diplomatic clash with Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently warned that any Chinese attack on Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Under this category, Japan can use its right to collective self-defence.

Beijing strongly criticised the comment. It warned that any Japanese military action near Taiwan would count as aggression and would be met with force.

PLA Daily Issues Sharp Message to Tokyo

A PLA Daily commentary said Takaichi exposed Japan’s “wolfish ambition to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs through military means.” The article warned that Japan’s “misguided actions” would push it “down a path of no return.”

“It risks the entire country becoming a battlefield,” it said.

Public Opinion in Japan Shifts

Reports from Tokyo said Takaichi’s approval rating rose to 69.9%, up 5.5 points after her strong comments on Taiwan.

In a new Kyodo survey:

• 60.4% supported higher defence spending

• 48.8% backed the right to collective self-defence in a Taiwan emergency

The poll was conducted over Saturday and Sunday.