US-China Relations | Chinese Official Media Criticizes US Military Provocations on Chinese Festivals, Military Strengthening Readiness

According to a report from China Central Television (CCTV), the U.S. military has repeatedly chosen special timings close to Chinese festivals to provoke, such as just before National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the first two days of the Spring Festival from 2018 to the present. The U.S. military has intruded on Chinese reefs and waters multiple times and been driven away. The Chinese military has stated that it will continue to enhance readiness and training, and is capable of addressing various security threats.

According to a report on CCTVwebsite on October 25, the US military provocations around special time points in advance of Chinese holidays have a history of many years. The news highlights a series of US military provocations near Chinese waters during such moments: on September 29, 2018, the USS Decatur destroyer entered the vicinity of Chinese South China Sea islands right before the National Day, and was driven away by the Chinese Navy's Lanzhou frigate. On September 13, 2019, the USS Meyer destroyer entered Chinese West South China Sea islands on the Mid-Autumn Festival, and was warned and driven away by the Southern Theater Command. On January 25, 2020, the USS Montgomery littoral combat ship intruded the waters near Chinese South China Sea islands during Lunar New Year, and was dealt with decisively by the Southern Theater Command. On January 20, 2022, the USS Benfold destroyer entered the waters of Chinese West South China Sea islands, and was driven away by the Southern Theater Command. On February 18, 2023, over a dozen US military aircraft suddenly flew close to the Yellow Sea on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and the PLA immediately organized maritime and air forces for continuous monitoring and alarm, effectively responding to the situation. On October 20, 2023, the USS Charleston littoral combat ship entered waters near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, and the PLA legally monitored the area. The report states that the US military deliberately chooses late nights, National Day eve, Mid-Autumn Festival, the first and second days of Lunar New Year, and other coincidental moments to provoke, but severely miscalculates the determination and capability of the PLA. The PLA continues to intensify military training during holidays, and has full situational awareness and rapid response capabilities for land and air spaces. The Theater Command is always on high alert, and is fully capable and resolute in tackling various security threats.

The US provocations, which target crucial times for internal celebrations in China, have clearly shown a pattern of deliberate provocation. The report emphasizes the PLA's readiness and capability to deal with such provocations. The ability of the PLA to track and monitor these incursions shows the military's high state of preparedness, even during periods usually associated with relaxation and celebrations. This preparedness and readiness are meant to deter any repeated provocations, reinforcing the strength and determination of China's defense forces.

These incidents illustrate a broader tension between China and the United States, particularly regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The US military's repeated actions are seen as a challenge to China's sovereignty claims and national security interests. Meanwhile, the Chinese military's firm and decisive responses highlight its defensive posture and its capability to handle such provocations, emphasizing the necessity and capability of the PLA to maintain peace and stability in the region.