The U.S. Coast Guard reported encountering multiple Chinese naval vessels in international waters near Alaska earlier this week. Three Chinese warships were initially detected approximately 124 miles north of the Amchitka Pass in the Aleutian Islands, and a fourth vessel was subsequently located about 84 miles north of the Amukta Pass.
“The Chinese naval presence operated in accordance with international rules and norms,” said Rear Adm. Megan Dean, Seventeenth Coast Guard District commander. “We met presence with presence to ensure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska.”
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While the Chinese vessels were operating within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from the shoreline, they remained in international waters and did not violate any international laws or norms.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Kimball, which was conducting a routine patrol in the Bering Sea, monitored the Chinese ships until they departed the EEZ. This incident marks the latest in a series of encounters between U.S. and Chinese naval forces in the region, raising concerns about China’s growing military presence in the Arctic.
Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, with Chinese and Russian warships occasionally operating in the U.S. EEZ off Alaska. In August 2023, the U.S. Navy deployed four destroyers to the Alaskan coast after spotting 11 Chinese and Russian warships patrolling in the area.
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While these encounters have not resulted in any direct confrontation, they highlight the increasing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the Arctic region, where both countries have strategic interests.
The U.S. Coast Guard emphasized that it will continue to monitor the presence of foreign military vessels in the U.S. EEZ and ensure they comply with international laws and norms. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential challenges to U.S. national security interests.
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