Revised and Originalized Article:
Venturing into the Tempest's Heart: What CNN Learned on its 11-Day Cruise
As night falls in early November, Royal Canadian Navy Commander Sam Patchell ends his shift aboard HMCS Ottawa. The 4,800-ton vessel, sailing at speeds up to 24 miles per hour, navigates through a sea of commercial fishing and cargo ships, venturing beyond internationally recognized waters and Chinese-claimed territories.
The Ottawa's radar tracks Chinese warships weaving through the heavily trafficked waters, as they pursue the Canadian frigate. Meanwhile, as the captain of an RCNS frigate, Patchell has a lawyer and a public affairs officer by his side, for the importance of upholding "the rule-based international order," and maintaining peace despite potential provocations or violations of maritime law.
Tense Moments
CNN bore witness to numerous tense situations, from lethal training exercises with live ammunition to refueling at sea, all in some of the world's most contested waters.
A highlight of the cruising voyage was an exercise involving three maritime artillery cannons, tasked with destroying a fast-moving drone.
Refueling at sea is a nerve-wracking process, with the 440-foot Ottawa coming within just 200 feet of supply ships, some as long as 680 feet (over twice the length of a football field).
Chinese Warships and Aircraft
Chinese naval forces are almost always visible on the horizon, appearing as dark shapes in the warm waters of the South China Sea amidst frequent rain showers. Encounters with Chinese military aircraft could also prove threatening, a worrisome ordeal for the Ottawa heliboat crew during their second encounter with Chinese fighter jets over international waters.
Dangerous Encounter
But danger doesn't just come from above: on October 29, the Hazardous Situation Team of the Royal Canadian Navy Air Force reported an encounter with Chinese jet fighters. Two of the jets came within 100 meters of the helicopter, raising concerns about the possibility of a collision.
However, in these tense waters, it's not just the military that keeps watch. The Taiwan Strait, separating China from the democratic-governed island of Taiwan, is one of the world's most volatile bodies of water, being described by many analysts as the next potential site of conflict.
Overall Landscape
The Chinese Communist Party has long viewed Taiwan as part of its own territory, despite never having governed the island. With tensions escalating, China has pledged to protect Taiwan by force if necessary, despite the global opposition to such actions.
The United States has urged Taiwan to maintain its ability to defend itself and protects its passage through the Strait, highlighted by the over 120 transit passages through the Taiwan Strait in 2023 by the US military or Coast Guard.
Military drills are known to take place in contested territories, leading to accusations of provocations and border violations.
Risk and Reward
Such risky ventures come with their own rewards, as the Canadian crew savored the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to "the rule-based international order" and shared meals, Halloween films, and a stunning crossing-the-equator ceremony, complete with a makeshift whirlpool and a visit from King Neptune.
Prioritizing Safety
Naval exercises and maneuvers must always prioritize the safety of the crew, as the high-stakes environment poses potential hazards and challenges. The use of advanced technology, planning, and constant communication are crucial in keeping the fleet secure and deter potential threats.
The Taiwan Strait, particularly the disagreements surrounding the strategic islands of Itu Aba (Taiping) and Spratly, are the central points of geopolitical tension. Both areas are highly contested by several nations, including China, which has been bolstering its naval power to assert its territorial claims.
China, which claims almost all 1.3 million square miles of the South China Sea, has recently seen 342 naval vessels reported by the Pentagon, making it the largest navy in the world.
These naval operations take place under the watchful eye of the crews, who are always wary of potential threats, ever on the lookout for suspicious movements, or signs of military drills.
Sailors are preoccupied during their nightly screams, their radio frequencies filled with updates and alerts regarding potential hazards, suspicious vessels, or suspicious aircraft.
However, despite the tense environment, the crew continues to maintain morale and productivity, with regular meals, barbecues, and other social activities helping to keep spirits high.
Hazardous Encounter
While navigating the Taiwan Strait, the HMCS Ottawa and USS Peralta crew encountered a potentially dangerous situation, as both ships encountered numerious Chinese warships, many within close proximity.
On October 31, 2023, the Ottawa and RAF Peralta came within just 190 meters of one another, resulting in both ships altering course cautiously to prevent a collision.
Navigating Challenges
Despite the numerous challenges faced, the strategic cruising mission was successful in the end. The Royal Canadian Navy maintained its resolve and commitment to the rule-based international order, even in the face of potential risks and provocations.
Witht the goal of maintaining stability in volatile waters, the crew watched with caution and vigilance for any potential threats, ensuring the safety and security of their ship and its crew as they sail through dangerous territories.
Sailors onboard the HMCS Ottawa continue to monitor international waters for potential threats, keeping them on constant alert in the name of protecting their country and defending their principles.
Technological Advancements
With technology playing an increasingly important role in naval operations, advanced communication systems, surveillance equipment, and mine detection sensors were instrumental in maintaining safety and awareness in potentially dangerous territories.
Preparing for the Unexpected
As the cruising mission drew to a close, the crew carefully planned for potential emergencies, preparing for everything from engine failure to fuel shortages. Engine training drills and supplies packing sessions were performed to ensure the ship was well-equipped to handle any situation.
The Undying Spirit
Despite the risks and hardships that came with the cruising mission, the crew of the HMCS Ottawa maintained their unwavering spirit, enduring long hours of work, intense training sessions, and the constant surveillance of warships and aircraft in the region.
Through it all, they remained committed to their mission, refusing to back down in the face of adversity, and persevering to maintain stability in the face of potential conflict.
A Guard at Sea
With tensions high and stability a fragile balance, the crew of the HMCS Ottawa remains vigilant, standing watch over the volatile waters of the South China Sea, hoping to maintain peace and ensure security for all involved.
Their courage and unwavering spirit shine through as they continue in their mission, working tirelessly to maintain the rule-based international order and protect the interests of their country, even as they sail through the dangerous waters of the South China Sea.
But despite these challenges, the mission was still considered a success, with HMCS Ottawa completing its strategic cruising mission without incident or loss. The crew's dedication to duty and unwavering spirit were praised by Royal Canadian Navy Command, who commended them for their outstanding performance and their ongoing role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
As for the crew, they understood the importance of their mission, and despite the dangers and challenges they faced, they were proud to serve their country and do their part in upholding the rule-based international order.
References
Enrichment Data
- Overview: The Taiwan Strait and South China Sea are contested territories with rising tensions, with China claiming almost the entirety of the South China Sea, and its nearby islands. Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have claims over parts of the sea, leading to regular military patrols and demonstrations there.
- Chinese Claims: While China asserts nearly 100% control over the South China Sea, it doesn't have the same claims in the Taiwan Strait. In fact, the claims there are rather unclear, and the main issue revolves around ownership of some of the smaller outlying islands throughout the Strait. The Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands are one such example.
- Chinese Border Patrols: Chinese military vessels and aircraft patrol the South China Sea frequently to assert their territorial claims. These patrols have been known to cause tensions with neighboring countries, including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
- Taiwan Strait: The Taiwan Strait is an important shipping route, and the United States has consistently maintained that it should remain open for commerce. However, China has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait if needed, a move that would seriously disrupt global trade.
- China's Military Strength: China's military has grown significantly in recent years, with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) modernizing its navy, air force, and missile arsenal. The PLA Navy is now the largest in the world, in terms of number of ships, with over 300 vessels. Its air force consists of over 2,000 aircraft, and its missile forces are now capable of reaching the United States.
- Strategic Deterrence: The United States has long maintained a policy of strategic deterrence towards China, with its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region and its alliance with Taiwan serving as key components of this strategy. This allows the United States to deter potential Chinese aggression in the region and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
- Regional Tensions: Regional tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait have also affected other countries' relations with both China and the United States. For example, both Japan and South Korea have criticized what they perceive as an assertive Chinese policy in the region, leading to strained relations with the PRC.
- Australian Role: Australia has played a significant role in maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. It has a close military alliance with the United States and has contributed troops to several regional conflicts in the past. In recent years, Australia has also increased its naval presence in the South China Sea, in a bid to defend its interests and those of its allies.
- China's Military Developments: China has also been investing in advanced technology to improve its military capabilities, including drones, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence. In particular, Beijing has been focusing on building a more comprehensive network of military bases in the South China Sea, which it claims are for peaceful purposes only.
- The Quad: The "Quad" is an informal alliance between the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, with the aim of promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad is seen by many analysts as a counterbalance to China's growing power, and its members regularly hold joint military exercises and joint patrols in the region.
- Impact on the World: The tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait have far-reaching implications for global stability and security. The United States and other major powers have repeatedly expressed concerns about China's increasingly assertive behavior in the region, and have sought to reinforce alliances and deter potential aggression. At the same time, many countries in the region have also sought to strengthen their own defenses and establish better relationships with neighboring countries to protect their interests.
