The Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) released a rap video titled “Don’t Be Arrogant” on its official social media account. On the 19th, the Southern Theater Command Air Force posted a 36-second video on its official WeChat account, showcasing scenes of flight and shooting training along with a soldier performing a fast rap. The lyrics warn, “I and my fighter jet will take you down with a perfect aerial strike. I guard the southwestern airspace. Enemies, don’t be arrogant. Our skills are forged through harsh training and precise flying, so we won’t let you act recklessly here.”
In the latter part, it states, “If you don’t listen when being told nicely, you will be punished” and emphasizes that “it would be wise to surrender smoothly.” The Southern Theater Command Air Force is in charge of operations in the South China Sea and has the mission to defend the airspace in the southwest direction, including the southern sea areas of Taiwan and southern Guangdong and Fujian. Although the Taiwan Strait is usually under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Theater Command, the Southern Theater Command also deploys during aerial confrontations with the Taiwanese Air Force or missions on the southern side of the Taiwan Strait.
Although the video does not specify a target, it has been interpreted as indirectly aimed at Japan, given the recent rising tensions between China and Japan around the East China Sea and Taiwan.