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China Holds Naval Drills East of Luzon Amid Balikatan2026China Holds Naval Drills East of Luzon Amid Balikatan2026

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

China launched naval drills east of Luzon on Friday in direct response to the start of Balikatan 2026.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command confirmed its fleet conducted the drills in waters east of Luzon.
The command said the drills were necessary because of the current regional situation.
Balikatan 2026, which includes unprecedented Japanese participation, operates in areas facing the South China Sea and Taiwan, including Luzon.

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Story summary

China launched naval drills east of Luzon on Friday in direct response to the start of Balikatan 2026.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command confirmed its fleet conducted the drills in waters east of Luzon.
The command said the drills were necessary because of the current regional situation.
Balikatan 2026, which includes unprecedented Japanese participation, operates in areas facing the South China Sea and Taiwan, including Luzon.