Chinese Navy Ships Spotted Inside U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in Bering Sea

The U.S. Coast Guard reported on Wednesday that Chinese Navy ships were observed within the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Bering Sea late last week. The sighting was made by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball, which was on a routine patrol at the time.

Details of the Sighting

The Kimball crew identified three Chinese naval vessels approximately 124 miles north of the Amchitka Pass, a significant strait within the Aleutian Islands. This remote archipelago stretches 1,200 miles from the Alaska Peninsula, making it a strategic point of interest. In addition to the ships spotted by the Kimball, a Coast Guard plane stationed on Kodiak Island observed a fourth Chinese ship 84 miles north of the Amukta Pass. This pass lies between the islands of Amutka and Seguam.

Context and Implications

Although the Chinese ships were navigating international waters, they were within the U.S. EEZ, which extends 200 nautical miles from the U.S. coastline. The presence of these ships in the EEZ is significant as it highlights ongoing strategic movements and potential geopolitical tensions in the region.

The Coast Guard assured that both it and the U.S. Northern Command were fully informed about the Chinese ships' movements. Rear Admiral Megan Dean, commander of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District, emphasized that the U.S. response was part of Operation Frontier Sentinel. This operation is designed to assert U.S. presence and ensure that strategic competitors do not disrupt U.S. interests in and around its waters.

Operation Frontier Sentinel and U.S. Response

Operation Frontier Sentinel is a strategic initiative by the U.S. Coast Guard to assert its presence when foreign naval forces operate near U.S. waters. "The Chinese naval presence operated in accordance with international rules and norms," said Rear Adm. Dean. "We met presence with presence to ensure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska."

The Chinese ships communicated to the Coast Guard that their mission was part of "freedom of navigation operations." This term typically refers to the right of ships to pass through international waters without interference, a principle upheld by international maritime law. The Kimball monitored the Chinese ships until they moved south into the North Pacific Ocean, and it continues to keep an eye on the area.

Historical Context and Future Monitoring

This incident is not isolated. The Coast Guard has previously observed Chinese military ships in the Bering Sea in both 2021 and 2022, indicating a pattern of Chinese naval activity in the region. The strategic importance of the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands makes these sightings particularly noteworthy.

International Response

As of now, China has not issued any public statements regarding the U.S. Coast Guard's report. The continued monitoring and patrolling by the Coast Guard in the area underscore the significance of these maritime activities and the need for vigilance in safeguarding U.S. maritime interests.

Conclusion

The presence of Chinese naval ships within the U.S. EEZ of the Bering Sea underscores the strategic importance of the region and highlights ongoing maritime activities by global powers. The U.S. Coast Guard's proactive monitoring and operation under Frontier Sentinel demonstrate a commitment to maintaining U.S. interests and ensuring compliance with international maritime laws. The situation will likely continue to evolve, necessitating ongoing vigilance and strategic responses from U.S. maritime forces.