China has deployed a group of warships to the western Pacific Ocean after the United States positioned ship-killing missiles in the Philippines as part of ongoing joint military exercises.

Beijing frequently sends naval vessels beyond its territorial waters, a move that has prompted coordinated efforts by the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan to curb China's maritime reach in the region.

The joint U.S.-Philippines exercises include the deployment of NMESIS anti-ship missile systems, capable of neutralizing naval targets with precision. These drills are viewed by China as a direct challenge to its military influence in the Pacific.

According to Japanese media, a Chinese aircraft carrier—the Shandong—was recently spotted conducting operations involving fighter jets. This latest maneuver places the Shandong east of the Philippines, following a series of appearances near Taiwan from late March to early April.

Tensions remain high in the region, as China continues to threaten military action to annex Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province despite the island’s self-governing status.

(QG - Source: Newsweek — Picture : © Unsplash)