Chinese and US ships nearly collide

A Chinese naval vessel intentionally cut across the bow of the US Navy Cowpens, a missile-bearing cruiser, as the ship was observing a brand new Chinese carrier in the area. The move is another sign of China flexing its naval might in the area. Most recently, China declared an air defense identification zone over islands and waters owned by Japan. As per China, any planes flying in the zone require submission of a flight plan to them as a prerequisite to being in the area. Neither Japan nor the US are complying with the Chinese flight plan requirement.

“Eventually, effective bridge-to-bridge communications occurred between the US and Chinese crews, and both vessels manoeuvred to ensure safe passage,” said a defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The incident took place on December 5, but owing to the sensitive nature of the incident, the US Department of Defense only recently made the incident known. The Chinese carrier being observed is called the Liaoning which was on its maiden voyage. The Chinese vessel that got in the way of the US cruiser did so at a distance of roughly 200 yards. The US vessel had to maneuver out of its way to avoid a collision. The incident is deemed as “aggressive” by the US and increases tensions in the area. This is the first time since March of 2009 that the Chinese have cut across the bow of a US naval ship.

On The Web:
American and Chinese Navy Ships Nearly Collided in South China Sea
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/15/world/asia/chinese-and-american-ships-nearly-collide-in-south-china-sea.html?_r=0