In what might be the beginning of a new era of tension and increased hostility between the U.S. and China, People’s Liberation Army warships were reported to have sailed near Alaska in what could be a clear effort to challenge or counter U.S. Navy Freedom of Navigation exercises in the South China Sea.
Chinese Warships off the Alaskan Coast?
The presence of Chinese warships off the Alaskan coast in international waters does not appear to be confirmed, however it is cited in a Chinese-government back newspaper called the Globaltimes.
“A website affiliated with the US Defense Department reported on Sunday that a naval flotilla of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), featuring one of China’s most powerful warships, recently sailed in international waters near Alaska,” the paper writes.
However, the Global Times goes on to say “if the report is true,” a statement which of course introduces some questions as to whether this actually happened. Nonetheless, the Chinese-government backed newspaper is reporting this and discussing it as though it is true, quoting Chinese military officials discussing the patrol.
PLA Normal Far-Sea Training?
“If the report is true, activities by Chinese warships are likely a normal far-sea training amid the PLA Navy’s rapid development of such capabilities, Chinese analysts said on Monday, noting that this could also be seen as a countermeasure against US military provocations on China’s doorsteps in the name of freedom of navigation,” the Global Times reports.
