USS Higgins Enters Disputed Waters, Sparking Tensions
On August 13th, the USS Higgins (DDG-76), a guided missile destroyer, entered contested waters near Scarborough Shoal, where it was closely monitored by ships from the People’s Liberation Army Navy as it neared China’s asserted “territorial waters.” In response, Beijing condemned the move, claiming it had observed, warned, and effectively “expelled” the U.S. warship, arguing it encroached on China’s sovereignty.
The United States quickly countered, asserting that the Higgins’ maneuver was a freedom of navigation operation, consistent with international law. The U.S. Navy labeled China’s claims as “false.”
This incident is emblematic of larger dynamics in global naval power, where controlling maritime routes and demonstrating strength through alliances are increasingly crucial.
Brent Sadler, a senior fellow and former Navy submariner at the Heritage Foundation, noted the complexities of naval warfare. He mentioned, “There’s no straightforward way to determine superiority based solely on numbers of ships or weapons.” Indeed, the landscape is layered and nuanced.
Incidents in the South China Sea
Recently, there were two separate crashes involving a U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet in the South China Sea, though they appear unrelated to the encounter with the Higgins.
Despite shifts in naval power, the United States still boasts a robust naval presence, operating around the globe with nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and a wealth of experience. Meanwhile, China is gradually expanding its naval capabilities beyond its coastal waters, which raises concerns.
Sadler observed that China’s military stance is becoming bolder, remarking, “The confidence they show in disputed waters suggests they believe they can prevail.” In his view, the Communist Party sees securing Taiwan as vital, regardless of potential losses.
A senior official within the Army Department highlighted that China’s military expansion signals an intention to disrupt the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. To counter these developments, American officials are focusing on strengthening partnerships and enhancing production of critical munitions.
Analysts predict that by 2027, China may be poised to move against Taiwan, with some alarmed by China’s production capabilities, which supersede those of the United States significantly. A recent analysis indicates that China’s shipyard output outweighs U.S. facilities by a staggering margin, although issues like labor shortages and inconsistent funding affect U.S. operations.
The U.S. shipbuilding landscape remains limited, primarily centered around a few facilities, far fewer than in previous decades, contributing to delays in fulfilling defense requirements. This has led to discussions concerning future naval strategies, particularly regarding the type of fleet to prioritize.
Changing Strategies Amid Tensions
According to the Pentagon’s latest report, China now possesses over 370 naval vessels, making it the largest fleet globally, while the U.S. Navy has around 290 deployable ships. Even if smaller in number, the U.S. vessels typically have greater firepower and tactical advantages.
As confrontations continue, Sadler likened it to testing resolve, particularly regarding U.S. allies such as the Philippines. The changing dynamics seem to be shifting the strategic landscape dramatically.
Yet, discussions on production limitations have spurred necessary debates within the Navy. The U.S. faces questions: Should it continue investing in large aircraft carriers or pivot towards a more missile-focused fleet, emphasizing submarines and unmanned systems?
Sadler expressed concern over the trajectory, suggesting that past administrations share responsibility for the current precarious situation. There’s a strong belief that repairing the nation’s industrial base is crucial for deterrence.
The Undersea Contest
Both nations are ramping up their investments in submarine capabilities, essential given the significant role underwater warfare plays in overall military strategies. The U.S. remains the world leader in submarine technology, with a fleet of nuclear-powered vessels capable of strategic stealth and long-range strikes.
However, production hurdles are evident, with the Navy falling short of its submarine construction targets—a challenge that narrows America’s competitive edge.
China, on the other hand, is steadily advancing. With approximately 60 submarines in its fleet, including new nuclear and diesel-electric designs, the People’s Liberation Army Navy plans for an expansion of up to 80 submarines within the next decade, potentially including more nuclear-powered models.
Closer proximity allows China to operate under a more advantageous framework. Should a conflict arise—particularly over Taiwan or within the South China Sea—Chinese submarines could potentially control critical chokepoints, escalating tensions.
In response, the U.S. is leveraging a robust network of allies and bases, such as Australia and Japan, aiming to counterbalance China’s advances effectively.
Broader Implications of Undersea Warfare
The ongoing undersea contest encompasses not just military assets, but also critical information and infrastructure, with vast communication networks running along the ocean floor. As China intensifies its deep-sea exploration efforts, analysts warn that conflicts could disrupt global communications, creating potential vulnerabilities.
Sadler offered a closing thought, suggesting that this competition differs significantly from previous eras, characterized by its complexity and the multifaceted nature of current threats.
