The South China Morning Post (June 7) reported that the PLA Southern Theatre Command disclosed on June 5 that a fleet under its command had travelled more than 6,700 nautical miles (12,400 km) over the past month, passing through the Celebes Sea — which separates Indonesia and the Philippines — and the western Pacific. The command did not give details of how many vessels were involved but said the exercise had included more than 20 drills including anti-missile and anti-aircraft exercises. It said on its social media account that "The complicated military situation presents a great challenge to the will and perseverance of the officers and soldiers" and that "The use of weapons in the far seas not only helps assess equipment performance under continuous sailing conditions, it also tests the ability of officers and soldiers to command and cooperate." Song Zhongping, a former PLA instructor and Hong Kong-based military affairs commentator, said the Celebes Sea was the gateway to the western Pacific, a region that includes the US territory of Guam. "For China to develop expeditionary warfare capabilities, the PLA will continue to explore more areas instead of being limited to the neighbouring seas. More expeditionary exercises means the navy is capable of reaching farther seas".

(Comment: The Chinese navy has been expanding its sphere of operations in recent years. Last year, a fleet under the Southern Theatre Command completed a 41-day drill in the Pacific, travelling 14,000 nautical miles and conducting a series of combat and rescue missions.)