CNN Embarked on a 11-Day Voyage Through Contested Waters
The moon had just begun to rise, painting the sky with shades of black and gray. Canadian Navy Commander Sam Patchell, aboard his 4,800-ton vessel, the HMCS Ottawa, was navigating through a cluster of commercial fishing and cargo ships. As they sailed, the Ottawa maintained designated speeds, avoiding any potential collisions while adhering to international laws, including China's recognized territorial waters.
Navigating the Minefield
The vessel's radar tracked Chinese warships displaying the lights of commercial ships as they attempted to keep pace with Canadian frigates. Committing an infraction of maritime law, or affording the Chinese vessels an opportunity to perceive the Ottawa's course as provocative, quickly transformed Patchell's 12-hour cruise into an international incident.
Patchell wasn't alone in his mission. A U.S. Navy destroyer followed dutifully behind, ensuring that the Ottawa did not collide with any oncoming commercial vessels while navigating through hazardous waters.
Hazardous Waters and International Incidents
The Taiwan Strait, a 110-mile-wide waterway separating mainland China from the democratic, self-governed island of Taiwan, is one of the world's most contentious bodies of water. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have spiked, sparking fears of an impending conflict involving not only China and Taiwan but also the United States and its allies.
With its communist leaders claiming Taiwan as a part of China's territory, despite never having ruled it, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to teach Taiwan "a lesson" in the event of provocation.
Ensuring Compliance
U.S. warships have regularly transited the Taiwan Strait since 1979, asserting their right to navigate international waters under the principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea. In 2023, the USS Rafael Peralta exercised its right during an Indo-Pacific deployment, becoming the sixth U.S. Navy or Coast Guard vessel to do so that year.
Beijing has condemned such movements as provocations and violations of Chinese territorial waters. However, according to the Montreux Convention, the strait is an international sea passage and, therefore, foreign ships have the right to free passage here.
Cruising Through Danger
As the Ottawa navigated its 12-hour journey, several tense moments tested the crew's mettle. An ammunition exercise was conducted, with three naval artillery cannons attempting to destroy a unmanned surface target vessel.
Around-the-clock refueling at sea, in the close vicinity of tanker vessels more than 680 feet long, creates a nerve-racking situation for the Ottawa's crew. The 440-foot-long ship strategically maneuvers to avoid collisions, employing expert skills to avoid ships both small and large.
Chinese warships loomed on the horizon during the endless procession of ships in the warm waters of the South China Sea, appearing as dim specters between showers of rain. Occasionally, Chinese hostile air strikes threatened the safety of the Ottawa's hubcraft, requiring aircraft to swiftly maneuver to avoid hostile aircraft.
Navigating the Political Landscape
Despite the trials and challenges that the Ottawa's crew faced, there was still room for camaraderie. Barbecues, burgers, and beer were enjoyed throughout the journey, as well as Halloween movie nights and a bizarre initiation ritual involving a self-constructed wooden tub and a judgment from King Neptune.
Throughout the above, the crew of the Ottawa remained vigilant in the face of increased tensions and potential threats in the South China Sea.
Enrichment Data:
The South China Sea is a crucial waterway for global trade, with approximately 64% of global trade passing through the area[1]. China's maritime activities in the region reflect its expansive territorial claims, with the Chinese government asserting sovereignty over almost the entire 1,300,000 square miles of sea[2]. These claims are a source of fierce contestation with neighboring countries, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
The militarization of Chinese-controlled artificial islands in the South China Sea and a flurry of aggression against neighboring countries have raised concerns about the escalation of tensions and the potential for an armed conflict. In 2021 and 2022, China conducted dual-carrier exercises and military drills, strongly signaling its intent to further solidify its dominance in the region[2][4].
The U.S. and its allies have insisted on maintaining freedom of navigation in the region, as per the principles of international law, by maintaining a continued presence in the area.
Source:
[1] Brown, S. (2021, October 4). "What's at Stake in the Global South China Sea Disputes." Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved September 24, 2023, from
[2] Raghavan, D. (2022, August 1). "China's South China Sea goals and military ashore, at sea 'remain unchanged,' Shanghai Cooperation Organization says." CSIS. Retrieved September 24, 2023, from
[3] "China's South China Sea activism: A partial and evolving picture." Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved September 24, 2023, from
[4] "China’s New South China Sea Strategy." The Pentagon. Retrieved September 24, 2023, from
[5] "The South China Sea and the United States." Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved September 24, 2023, from
