Observers suggest that the appearance of the ships is a subtle reminder to the U.S. of World War II history since Japan bombed the Aleutian Island chain after Pearl Harbor. (Photo : Want China Times)
Five of China’s naval vessels were spotted off the coast of Alaska and according to sources from the Pentagon, the group comprised of three surface combatants, an amphibious warship and a fleet oiler.
Sources say that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ships made an innocent passage within 12 nautical miles from the Aleutian Islands on Sept. 2, a day before the 70th anniversary of China's victory in World War II over the Japanese.
Observers suggest that the appearance of the ships is a subtle reminder to the U.S. of World War II history since Japan bombed the Aleutian Island chain after Pearl Harbor.
However, according to Duowei News, a U.S.-based Chinese political outlet, such a move by Beijing could possibly be a strategy to gain access to valuable Arctic resources.
This is the first time that Chinese ships have been spotted close to Alaska, potentially adding to the security concerns of the U.S.
However, China claims that the PLA naval group was merely there to conduct joint drills with the Russians and that such voyage is part of routine activities between the two countries.
The timing of the incident suggests an effort on the part of Beijing to send crucial signals to Washington prior to President Xi Jinping's U.S. state visit this month.
Experts also note the peculiarity of the event considering the fact that it occurred a day before China conducted a military parade and just after President Obama finished a three-day visit to Alaska.
Some U.S. officials see the development as an opportunity for the American strategic pivot to Asia, which will enable an increased U.S. military presence in the region.
