South China Sea threat: Western allies urged to go to contested waters amidst China's deployment of warship

The South China Sea is a hotly contested body of water in which many of its surrounding countries claim sovereignty over parts of it, with China claiming the most. As China is set to deploy a massive warship onto the contested waters, the US and its allies in the west have been urged to go to the region to combat Chinese forces.

Retired US Naval Captain Carl Schuster released a statement following reports of China deploying its massive warship, the Hainan 31, an amphibious assault ship that could transport almost the entire Chinese marine corps. Schuster said that western allies should exert control in the South China Sea to prevent the Chinese navy from expanding. Schuster noted that both Vietnamese and Philippine coast guard forces will also be on standby to deter any aggression from the Chinese.

“Combined Vietnamese and Philippine coastguard patrols in the area of Julian Felipe reef will deter any aggression there,” said Schuster. “I also think if you were to invite the US coast to go with you that would send a very strong signal as well.”

The Hainan 31 was dispatched last week and is the country’s largest assault ship. Military experts have raised concerns that the Hainan’s deployment would become a problem with Taiwan and the other surrounding countries that have disputes with China over the South China Sea. China claims sovereignty over most of the waters, but the US and other countries have strongly expressed opposition.

Meanwhile, the UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth was reported to go on its first mission in the South China Sea. The vessel would be accompanied by two Type 45 destroyers, two Type 23 frigates, a nuclear submarine, a Tide-class tanker, and the RFA Fort Victoria. However, according to analysts, the fleet of UK ships may potentially increase tensions in the region as it sails through the disputed waters.

“We will see more tensions around them, and therefore a greater risk of an incident,” said Charles Parton, OBE.

China’s development of underwater vehicles could also pose an added challenge to Western forces conducting patrols. This also comes as China has increasingly conducted military exercises in the area.