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| USS Cowpens (Image: US Navy via Flickr) |
By Carl Thayer
The potential remains for mishaps involving naval vessels and military aircraft in the South China Sea.
On November 26, the Chinese aircraft carrierLiaoning left its homeport of Qindao, Shandong province for its first deployment to the South China Sea. TheLiaoning was accompanied by two destroyers, the Shenyang and Shijiazhuang, and two missile frigates,Yantai and Weifang. The Chinese navy website reported that the carrier group would carry out “scientific research, tests and military drills.”
The Liaoning’s deployment was closely monitored in international waters by the USS Cowpens (CG-63), aTiconderoga-class guided missile cruiser.
On December 5, a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship made radio contact with the Cowpens and asked it to leave the area. The USS Cowpens replied that it was in international waters and declined to change course.
The Cowpens was then shouldered by a PLAN Amphibious Dock Ship that suddenly crossed its bow at a distance of less than 500 meters and stopped in the water. The USS Cowpens was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
The two ships made bridge-to-bridge contact to ensure safety of navigation. There were no further incidents.
Read the full story at The Diplomat