Tit for tat, neither side yielding! China directly took action against the US B-52H bomber, leaving the Philippines greatly disappointed.

In early February 2026, tensions in the South China Sea suddenly escalated. From the 2nd to the 6th, the Philippine Air Force and the US Pacific Air Forces conducted a series of high-profile military activities in key airspace over Luzon Island and the South China Sea: live ammunition drops, simulated air defense confrontations, and joint strategic cruising—among which the most eye-catching was the presence of the US B-52H strategic bomber.

The US deployed the B-52H, which has long-range strike capabilities and can carry cruise missiles or even nuclear weapons; the Philippines sent its main fighter jet, the FA-50PH. Both sides emphasized "joint mission planning" and "operational response," intentionally choosing the area from the South China Sea to the Luzon Strait. The purpose of this exercise was solely to implement aerial strike deterrence against China.

In response to this provocation, China chose not to respond with diplomatic language, but instead made its bottom line clear through action. The Southern Theater Command announced that it was organizing naval and aerial forces to carry out "routine patrols" in the same time frame and area. The interpretation by some analysts is that the so-called "routine" is actually highly targeted: a large number of destroyers, early warning aircraft, electronic reconnaissance planes, and various types of fighter jets are bound to be deployed intensively, forming effective monitoring and suppression of the US-Philippine joint fleet.

Although the B-52H is a strategic bomber, it does not possess air combat capabilities and relies on escort aircraft or long-range missiles to penetrate defenses. This time, China is sure to send out its main fighter model, the J-16—this heavy multi-role fighter is equipped with beyond-visual-range strike capabilities, strong electronic warfare capabilities, and a large payload capacity. From a technical perspective, the J-16 is equipped with an active phased array radar and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, which are fully capable of locking onto or even intercepting the B-52H before it launches weapons. In other words, the "safe distance projection strike" that the US military fantasizes about has become increasingly untenable in the face of China's improving area denial/anti-access system.

Moreover, based on the statement, China's response this time was rapid and precisely deployed, indicating that it had already mastered the US-Philippine exercise plan and completed troop redeployment in advance. This "you move one step, I counter one piece" rhythm has broken the previous passive response model, demonstrating the capability to actively shape the battlefield situation. For the Philippines, courting the US was originally intended to gain strength and courage, thus deterring China. But the reality is quite stark: no matter how high the US B-52H flies, it cannot change the fact that it lacks support from forward bases and has weak escort capabilities; meanwhile, China was not deterred and instead advanced to intercept with a stronger posture. As a result, China shows no fear of the aging B-52H bomber, and the Philippines is likely to be greatly disappointed.