Video: Six US Coast Guard Cutters "Appear" in the South China Sea, What Are They Up To?

Recently, the United States transferred six Coast Guard patrol vessels from the war-torn Middle East to Subic Bay in the Philippines. These vessels had previously been engaged in maritime security and drug and arms interception missions in the Middle East. Why are they not staying in the protracted conflict in the Middle East, but instead heading to the South China Sea?

What is the background of these six patrol vessels?

According to U.S. media reports, these six "Sentinel" class fast response patrol vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard belong to the newly formed "Expeditionary Patrol Squadron." These patrol vessels have been authorized to be based in Singapore and will take turns operating in Subic Bay on Luzon Island in the Philippines, with deployment lasting at least until September.

Literally understood, the U.S. Coast Guard seems to primarily operate near U.S. territorial waters. How did they end up in the Middle East and then come to the South China Sea? Military commentator Li Yaqiang stated that the U.S. Coast Guard is actually a global maritime armed force of the United States.

Li Yaqiang: The U.S. Coast Guard is a component of the U.S. armed forces, equivalent to the status of a maritime police force, often referred to as the "Second Navy." Its operational radius is certainly not limited to U.S. coasts; it is also a quasi-military force that implements U.S. national will.

△ U.S. Coast Guard "Sentinel" class patrol vessel

Of course, the U.S. vessels are not in the South China Sea to catch drug traffickers or inspect smuggling. Li Yaqiang explained that these six patrol vessels are not very powerful in terms of tonnage and firepower, and keeping them in the high-intensity battlefield of the Middle East would not be effective. Retaining such forces would instead occupy the support resources of the U.S. military in the Middle East. Deploying them in the South China Sea allows for the utilization of the vessels' strong mobility to shuttle between islands and reefs, creating a "proximity" presence.

Li Yaqiang: The U.S. "Sentinel" class patrol vessels that have arrived are 47 meters long, weigh around 300 to 400 tons, and have a speed of 25 knots, which is considered medium-sized within the U.S. Coast Guard. Their firepower is not very strong, equipped only with a 25mm caliber gun and a few machine guns, primarily tasked with coastal patrol, rescue, drug enforcement, and anti-smuggling missions. The war situation in the Middle East makes it somewhat unsuitable for them to stay there. In Southeast Asia, with its many islands and even shallow waters for operations, these vessels have relatively convenient conditions, as they can dock at general ports, making support relatively simple.

"Using Small to Combat Large" to Reduce Military Sensitivity

In the past, the U.S. mostly sent larger patrol vessels to the South China Sea, but this time it chose to deploy these small fast response patrol vessels to Subic Bay facing the South China Sea. Military commentator Li Yaqiang said that although the vessels are smaller, the U.S. can still demonstrate its military presence and reduce sensitivity.

Li Yaqiang: Why are Coast Guard vessels coming instead of warships? This indicates that the U.S. is cautious about its military force usage, especially in East Asia. The Americans know that sending large vessels, even aircraft carriers, poses safety issues for themselves. Sending the Coast Guard indicates both its military presence and its determination to maintain relations with allies and participate in maritime security affairs, while also minimizing military sensitivity as much as possible.

China has the capability to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea

According to media statistics, the China Coast Guard currently operates 280 law enforcement vessels over 100 tons, with a total tonnage close to 400,000 tons. The six small vessels are completely not on the same scale compared to the China Coast Guard. Li Yaqiang stated that the likelihood of U.S. vessels encountering the China Coast Guard is very low.

Li Yaqiang: We also have patrol vessels of this class, as well as larger vessels suitable for ocean operations. Our overall firepower and expansion capabilities are stronger than those of the U.S. Coast Guard. The main operational area of these six patrol vessels is in the southern South China Sea and Southeast Asia, where the chances of encountering our maritime forces are low.

Li Yaqiang analyzed that some countries around the South China Sea may use this U.S. action to create some narratives, but it will not have a significant impact on the overall situation in the South China Sea.

Li Yaqiang: The U.S. interference will not fundamentally change the overall situation in the South China Sea. We have overwhelming strategic advantages in the entire South China Sea region. Even if countries like the U.S. and Japan get involved in South China Sea affairs, they will not gain any advantage. Our military presence here is actually very restrained. If they dare to provoke, we can increase our military presence here, enhance patrol efforts, and strengthen law enforcement capabilities. We have enough confidence and strength to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Editor-in-chief丨Wu Zhehua Chai Hua

Reporter丨Yang Kai Ning Bo