US Coast Guard tracks more Chinese naval ships in Bering Sea

The USCG relies on Kodiak-based C-130s, like the one pictured here, for Arctic patrols. An HC-130J sighted Chinese naval vessels recently in the Bering Sea. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

The US Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) and patrol aircraft encountered multiple People's Republic of China (PRC) military ships in the Bering Sea on 6 and 7 July, the USCG confirmed on 10 July.

Kimball's crew detected three vessels approximately 124 n miles north of the Amchitka Pass in the Aleutian Islands, and an HC-130J aircrew from USCG Air Station Kodiak detected an additional vessel approximately 84 n miles north of the Amukta Pass, the USCG reported.

All four of the PRC vessels were transiting in international waters but still inside the US exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 n miles from the US shoreline, the USCG said.

“The Chinese naval presence operated in accordance with international rules and norms,” Rear Admiral Megan Dean, 17th Coast Guard District commander, said in a statement.

The Chinese vessels responded to USCG radio communication and their stated purpose was “freedom of navigation operations”, the USCG reported.

Kimball monitored all ships until they transited south of the Aleutian Islands into the North Pacific Ocean, the USCG noted.

“The Coast Guard, in co-ordination with US Northern Command, was fully aware of and tracked the Chinese naval presence,” the USCG said.

For more information about USCG Arctic operations, please seeUSCG commandant, budget highlight Arctic importance for the service .