As reported by Reuters, recent observations have revealed that five Chinese research vessels were operating in the northwest Pacific last month. These ships are known for their roles in space and missile tracking as well as underwater mapping, coinciding with heightened military exercises conducted by the United States.
The Pacific Center for Island Security emphasizes that the rapid militarization of this region is often overlooked, posing potential risks to island communities caught in geopolitical tensions. Leland Bettis, director of the center, noted that with numerous U.S. and allied military drills taking place, it’s not surprising to see China deploying research vessels to survey what could be considered undersea battlegrounds.
The newly launched Micronesia Security Monitor indicates that three of these vessels were spotted near Kiribati-a small island nation with significant economic waters extending over 3.6 million square kilometers (about 1.4 million square miles). Last year, Kiribati expressed alarm when a Chinese intercontinental missile test landed close to its maritime boundaries.
Additionally, two other Chinese ships were detected east of Guam near territories like the Federated States of Micronesia and Marshall Islands-areas under U.S. defense agreements.
Despite inquiries regarding these activities from both China’s foreign ministry and Kiribati going unanswered, it is clear that between August and November alone, nine multilateral military exercises have been conducted near Guam involving U.S. allies.
A notable exercise was Malabar which included forces from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States focusing on anti-submarine warfare tactics-an initiative aimed at countering coercive actions within the Indo-Pacific region according to Australian defense officials.
The presence of U.S. military bases across Guam and Marshall Islands has historically served as a deterrent; however Bettis warns that advancements in modern technology may now render these locations targets instead of shields against aggression.
The monitor also highlights an expansion of U.S. military infrastructure throughout Micronesia including enhanced wharves and airfields-all funded through contributions from commercial entities such as Carnegie Corporation and Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
