The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy concluded multi-day combat readiness exercises in the South China Sea this month, showcasing advanced operational capabilities amid heightened regional security focus. The November 2025 drills involved the Honghu-class replenishment ship, Hengyang frigate, and aviation units executing round-the-clock maneuvers.
Commanders simulated real-war scenarios starting with a dawn mine-clearing operation, where the Honghu rapidly neutralized floating threats using coordinated artillery fire. Naval helicopters conducted precision takeoff/landing drills on moving vessels while crews practiced joint search-and-rescue protocols and light-weapons engagements.
Analysts note these exercises reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen all-weather response capabilities in critical waterways. The drills occurred as regional governments intensify maritime security coordination ahead of 2026’s ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting agenda.
