Russian and Chinese Flotilla Off Alaska Monitored by Navy Destroyers
The U.S. Navy recently responded to a joint flotilla of Russian and Chinese ships that approached the coast of Alaska. The operation, described as “unprecedented,” involved 11 warships and reconnaissance aircraft. While the ships did not enter U.S. territorial waters and have since left the area, the U.S. Navy dispatched four destroyers and surveillance aircraft to monitor their movements.
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska referred to the operation as a significant event, highlighting the growing cooperation between Russia and China. The Russian Embassy did not comment on the incident, while a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy stated that the patrol was not aimed at sending a message to the U.S.
This is not the first time that such a joint operation has occurred. In September 2022, a flotilla of seven Russian and Chinese warships patrolled the same area, with only a Coast Guard vessel responding. Senator Sullivan has called for increased military assets in Alaska to defend against such incursions. Alaska currently lacks a Navy or Marine Corps base and requires infrastructure investment, including a deepwater port.
The incident highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S., Russia, and China. The U.S. Navy’s response indicates a commitment to maintaining security and monitoring foreign naval operations near U.S. waters.
