The Chinese Navy hosted a biennial meeting of top foreign naval officials in Qingdao, Shandong, with delegations from 30 countries in attendance. This event is being closely watched for signs of increased engagement between China and the United States amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea. The strategic waterway has become a potential flashpoint for US-China relations, especially as US ally Manila faces a standoff with Beijing in the region.
Participants at the meeting will discuss maritime security challenges and the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, a set of guidelines meant to de-escalate tensions between naval forces. However, it has not been updated to cover drone warfare, which has become increasingly prevalent in military operations at sea. A working group to prevent drone collisions at sea is being considered after discussions at a previous meeting in January.
The event coincides with the annual US-Philippines joint military drills, which are set to begin outside of Philippine territorial waters for the first time. Tensions remain high around the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, where Manila has accused Beijing of harassment, including the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels. The United States, Japan, and the Philippines recently signed a cooperation agreement at a trilateral summit to address their concerns over China’s behavior in the region.
Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler will represent the United States at the meeting, along with delegations from countries such as Australia, France, India, South Korea, Russia, and Britain. The discussions at the meeting will be held behind closed doors, and participants will also focus on addressing the challenges posed by increased military activities in the region. The event provides an opportunity for naval officials to exchange ideas and potentially improve communication to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts at sea.
China has criticized the US, Japan, and the Philippines for engaging in what it calls “bloc politics” in the South China Sea and has emphasized its commitment to protecting its sovereignty in the region. The meeting in Qingdao highlights the complex dynamics of military diplomacy in the region, with various countries navigating their strategic interests while trying to maintain stability and prevent potential conflicts. The outcome of the discussions and the actions taken by all parties involved will be closely monitored by international observers for any indications of future developments in the South China Sea.
