Special Missions of the Maritime Self-Defense Force] Photo Report on “10 Days of Tense Close Contact” in the Indo-Pacific

The destroyer “Izumo,” the largest in the Maritime Self-Defense Force and characterized by its carrier-shaped hull, led the destroyer “Samidare” as the two ships sailed through the South China Sea.

The author departed from the Izumo in an SH-60K helicopter aboard the destroyer to cover the start of a tactical drill, and was taking photos of the drill from above when he noticed the shadow of one of the ships approaching the MSDF fleet. As the distance between the two ships gradually closed, the shadow of one ship approached the MSDF fleet.

As it gradually closed the distance, the unidentified warship came within 20 miles (37 km) of the Izumo and began to run alongside.

The helicopter left the MSDF fleet and headed for confirmation. Tension flared in the cabin.

In the backlight, a “mysterious warship” was sighted. It was neither a naval vessel of the Maritime Self-Defense Force nor one of its ally, the U.S. Navy, but the Chinese Navy’s Type 054A frigate “Huangshan.

The South China Sea is undeniably the high seas.

However, China claims most of it as its own territorial waters. It has reclaimed land at seven points, including Scarborough Reef, and built radar facilities, ports, government buildings, and airstrips.

Vessels navigating the South China Sea, including but not limited to warships, are subject to the unspoken vigilance of the Chinese Navy. Sometimes they obstruct their course or otherwise try to eliminate them. On this very day, the naval fleet, which was subjected to such vigilance monitoring, continued its voyage as scheduled, as is its natural right. They decided to ignore the provocation. The Chinese side then continued alongside on the same course and at the same speed. This stalking continued until they approached Philippine territorial waters.