Increase in Russian and Chinese Naval Activity near Alaska Being Monitored by U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard has observed increased Chinese and Russian navy activity in Alaska and the northern Pacific region, with both countries conducting joint operations in the area. Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson stated that encounters with these navies have been professional, with occasional forays into the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The Coast Guard responds to these incursions by establishing communication and monitoring their movements. Information is exchanged with the U.S. military and Canada, and encounters have remained professional. Tiongson also discussed the situation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, where China’s Coast Guard has been involved in a standoff with the Philippines over resupplying a beached navy ship. The U.S. Coast Guard has been advising and assisting the Philippines in dealing with the situation, but has not been asked to provide escort. Tiongson emphasized that the U.S. Coast Guard’s role is to provide guidance and assistance to the Philippine coast guard in developing plans but does not physically accompany them.

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