China and Russia Conduct Provocative Naval Exercise Close to US Shores
China and Russia recently conducted a joint naval exercise in the waters close to Alaska, raising concerns about escalating tensions between these countries and the United States. As the US focuses on aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression, it cannot ignore the increasing hostilities from China.
Recent events, such as Chinese spy balloons, the presence of Chinese police stations and biolabs on US soil, and the discovery of sailors selling secrets to the Chinese military, have strained the US-China relationship. Despite attempts by the Biden administration to appear tough on China, their actions suggest a willingness to appease the hostile foreign power.
China’s aggressive moves go beyond these incidents. Their navy, which is concentrated in and around China, has surpassed the US fleet in terms of the number of vessels. China’s navy is expected to grow to 400 ships by 2025, while the US Navy is scheduled to shrink to 294.
The latest provocation came in the form of a joint operation by China and Russia, where 11 ships neared Alaska’s southwestern coast. The US Navy responded by mobilizing four destroyers to guide the adversarial ships away from American waters. While the ships didn’t enter US territorial waters, their proximity to the Aleutian Islands was concerning.
According to Senator Dan Sullivan, this joint naval task force between Russia and China is unprecedented in terms of its size and scope. It confirms the increasing aggression displayed by the dictators in Beijing and Moscow.
Although the immediate crisis was averted, the intentional proximity of these ships sends a clear signal from China and Russia. Brent Sadler, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, called it a highly provocative move, especially given the ongoing tensions in Ukraine and around Taiwan.
The US Air Force General Michael Minihan had previously warned that a hot war with China was just two years away. China’s hyperaggressive behavior, particularly regarding Taiwan, poses a significant threat to regional stability. Ignoring China’s expressed goals could be costly for the US.
One example of the US failing to read China’s intentions was highlighted by columnist and author Gordon Chang. He noted the Biden administration’s delayed executive order to restrict investments in sensitive technologies in China, hoping for signs of cooperation. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s regime has made it clear that they are prepared to go to war, leaving the US with no other choice.
Relying on hope as a strategy to deal with China seems futile. The Biden administration needs to recognize the growing threat and reevaluate their approach. The joint naval exercise near US shores should serve as a wake-up call to the risks posed by China and Russia.
In this new era of authoritarian aggression, the US must recalibrate its foreign policy and engage in robust diplomacy backed by a strong military presence. By neglecting the warnings and signals from China and Russia, the US places itself at a significant disadvantage.
It is crucial for the US to address these challenges promptly and effectively to protect its interests and maintain stability in the region. The current dynamics necessitate a careful and strategic response guided by an understanding of the evolving landscape. Failure to do so could have severe consequences for US national security.
