Recently, according to the South China Morning Post, a well-known international media in Hong Kong, a patrol ship of the United States Coast Guard spotted a number of Chinese military vessels in the Bering Sea while carrying out routine patrol missions.
Observers noted that the ships are located within the United States' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but in international waters. Chinese naval vessels sail within the United States exclusive economic zone, but still abide by international laws and norms. The incident has sparked widespread concern and discussion, especially in the context of growing tensions between China and the United States.
Chinese warships appear in Alaska: free navigation, I can also go
According to a statement from the United States Coast Guard, they spotted three Chinese warships about 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Alaska's Amchitka Pass.
Soon after, United States Coast Guard helicopters spotted a fourth warship about 135 kilometers (84 miles) north of the Amukta Pass. The ships are all in international waters, but remain part of the United States exclusive economic zone.
United States Coast Guard Commander Rear · Megan Dean said: "
United States media claim that this statement shows United States' firm position on safeguarding its maritime interests.
The navigation behavior of Chinese warships in international waters is essentially just a free navigation in accordance with international regulations, but in the context of the current tension between China and the United States, some United States media have shown a posture of "facing a great enemy" and "over-criticized" this behavior.
In recent years, United States has frequently conducted "freedom of navigation" operations in places such as the South China Sea, claiming that this is in United States national interest. China's voyage within United States' exclusive economic zone may be a response to such behavior.
In fact, this is not the first time that the United States Coast Guard has encountered Chinese warships in the North Pacific and the Behring Sea.
Back in September 2022, United States Coast Guard patrol ships spotted multiple Chinese and Russia warships in the Beling Sea. And in September 2021, United States Coast Guard patrol ships spotted Chinese warships near the Aleutian Islands.
The appearance of the Chinese Navy ships comes at a time when the Chinese and Russian navies conduct annual joint patrols in the Pacific waters. Although the scale of this joint patrol has been reduced compared with previous years, it is still an important part of Sino-Russian military cooperation.
This cooperation has not only enhanced the mutual trust and cooperative combat capability of the two navies, but also demonstrated the common position of the two countries in maintaining regional peace and stability.
United States Alaska Senator Dan ·Sullivan said after being briefed: ". He also stressed the need for United States to strengthen military readiness in the Arctic region in response to the increasing activity, and assured Alaskans that United States military is protecting their state and country.
Although Chinese warships sail within the United States' exclusive economic zone, this is a routine operation consistent with international law. United States does not have to overreact, but should look at it rationally. China's annual joint patrols with Russia, albeit reduced in size, remain an important part of the two countries' military cooperation.
Historical records show that the United States Coast Guard's encounters with Chinese warships in the North Pacific and the Behring Sea are not the first time, and China's actions are aimed at ensuring global stability and safeguarding national interests.
Chinese Warship Navigation in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone: An International Law Perspective
Although the United States Coast Guard found a Chinese warship in its exclusive economic zone, it is not a violation of the rules from the perspective of international law. International law permits States to conduct freedom of navigation within the exclusive economic zones of other States, as long as they do not infringe on the sovereign rights of coastal States.
The navigation behavior of the Chinese warship is completely justified in law and has not caused any controversy in international law.
The International Convention on the Law of the Sea clearly stipulates that States have the right to freedom of navigation in international waters. This means that vessels, whether military or civilian, can sail freely within the exclusive economic zone as long as they do not enter the territorial waters of the coastal state.
The United States, like other countries, regularly conducts sailing activities within the exclusive economic zones of other countries. The navigation of Chinese warships in the United States EEZ is only an exercise of this universal right.
Although the incident has caused concern among some politicians in United States, the actions of the Chinese warship do not pose a direct threat to United States national security.
United States should view this incident rationally and avoid overreacting. In international affairs, countries should resolve differences through dialogue and cooperation, rather than increasing tensions through military confrontation.
The annual joint patrols of the Chinese and Russia navies are an important manifestation of the military cooperation between the two countries.
This cooperation has not only enhanced the mutual trust and cooperative combat capability of the two navies, but also demonstrated the common position of the two countries in maintaining regional peace and stability. Although the scale of joint patrols this year has been reduced, this does not affect the deep foundation of cooperation between China and Russia in the military field.
The joint patrol between China and Russia is not only a symbol of the cooperation between the two navies, but also an important means to demonstrate the military capabilities and strategic intentions of the two countries. Through joint patrols, China and Russia will not only be able to enhance their navies' ability to work together, but also demonstrate their determination to maintain regional peace and stability on the international stage.
United States need to realize that the joint patrols between China and Russia are not aimed at United States, but rather normal military cooperation between the two countries.
United States experts believe that United States should respond to possible challenges by strengthening its own military readiness and cooperation with allies. At the same time, it is also necessary to establish more stable and predictable military relations with China and Russia through dialogue and cooperation.
As a maritime power, China has gradually strengthened its global maritime strategy.
I believe that through navigation in international waters and joint exercises with other countries, China has demonstrated not only its navy's ocean-going combat capabilities, but also its determination to maintain the international maritime order.
China has always advocated the settlement of maritime disputes through peaceful means and the maintenance of the international maritime order.
Freedom of navigation in international waters is one of China's important means of maintaining international maritime order. Through its lawful navigation activities, China has not only exercised its legitimate rights, but also contributed to safeguarding the freedom of international navigation.
In addition to joint patrols with Russia, China is also actively engaged in maritime cooperation with other countries.
Through joint exercises and maritime cooperation with other countries, China has not only improved its naval capabilities, but also contributed to promoting international maritime cooperation.
A little summary
The navigation of the Chinese warship in the United States exclusive economic zone is a normal operation in accordance with international law.
United States should view this incident rationally and avoid overreacting. The Sino-Russian joint patrol is an important manifestation of the military cooperation between the two countries and demonstrates the determination of the two countries to maintain regional peace and stability.
As a major maritime power, China will continue to maintain international maritime order and promote global maritime peace and stability through lawful navigation activities and maritime cooperation with other countries.