Chinese Naval Fleet Transits Basilan Strait in Routine Operation Amid Regional Tensions

This development comes amidst heightened scrutiny of China's expanding military footprint, with some countries, including the Philippines, criticizing the passage of Chinese vessels through the Basilan Strait as a perceived threat to regional stability. However, Beijing has pushed back against such claims, arguing that its actions are legitimate and in accordance with international maritime law, and that other nations' attempts to politicize the issue are unwarranted and unjustified.

On February 3, a Chinese naval fleet passed through the Basilan Strait, a major waterway in the Indonesian archipelago, en route to the far seas for training exercises. The operation was conducted in a safe, standardized, and professional manner, fully in line with international law and practices. The Philippine side launched a smear campaign against the Chinese naval fleet's normal passage, severely damaging the legitimate rights of China and other countries to navigate through the strait.

The Chinese government has consistently maintained that it supports the freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and has called on other countries to respect and uphold this principle. The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army released a statement clarifying the facts and emphasizing that the Chinese naval fleet's passage through the Basilan Strait was a normal and legitimate operation. The statement also urged the Philippine side to stop its smear campaigns and respect the legitimate rights and interests of other countries.

The navigation of the Chinese naval fleet through the Basilan Straits adheres to international law and practice, as emphasized by the Southern Theater Command. The command underscored that the operation was conducted with safety, standardization, and professionalism at the forefront. International law and practice provide a framework for the navigation of naval vessels, emphasizing the importance of respecting the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of other nations while also enjoying the right to free navigation. China's actions, according to the Southern Theater Command, have always followed these principles, reflecting its commitment to upholding international law and maintaining maritime security and stability.

The Chinese naval fleet's passage through the strait is seen as a demonstration of China's commitment to international maritime law and its practice of professional and safe operations. This commitment is essential in fostering a stable and secure maritime environment, which is in the interest of all nations, including China. The Chinese naval fleet's operations, which included a 055-type guided-missile destroyer, a 054A-type guided-missile frigate, and a 903-type comprehensive supply ship, were conducted in a safe, standardized, and professional manner, posing no threat to the security of the region or the interests of other countries.

This incident highlights the importance of adhering to international norms and respecting the sovereignty and legitimate rights of all nations, while also underscoring China's role as a responsible maritime power that seeks to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the global maritime community. The accusations made by the Philippine side against the Chinese naval fleet's normal navigation are baseless and constitute a serious infringement upon the legitimate rights of China and other nations to navigate through these waters. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is essential for countries to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences and promote peace and stability.