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U.S. Coast Guard is watching an increase in Russian and Chinese naval activity near Alaska

A senior commander told reporters on Friday that the U.S. Coast Guard has noticed an "uptick in activity" by Chinese and Russian naval forces around Alaska and northern Pacific, but all encounters have been professional to date.

Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson of the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific area commander, while in Japan, informed reporters that Russia and his country share a maritime border line between Alaskan and Russian Far East.

"We've definitely seen an increase in the presence of Russian naval vessels in that region. We also see an increase in the PRC Navy and Russian Navy working together in this region, said he, referring the People's Republic of China.

"And we've seen that in the last two years." Tiongson said, "And they are conducting operations."

Sometimes, these ships enter the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Exclusive Economic Zone is what he said.

"We meet the presence of presence. We let them know we're there when they are out there. They may tell us they are just passing through, but they will be leaving our EEZ soon. Other times, we watch them and follow their progress.

He said that the U.S. Coast Guard shares information with both the U.S. Military and Canada. However, all encounters to date with Russians or Chinese have been professional.

Tiongson addressed the issue of the Philippines-China standoff around Second Thomas Shoal, in the South China Sea. China's Coast Guard was active in this standoff to resupply a Philippine Navy ship that had been beached there.

Tiongson stated that the U.S. Coast Guard was not asked to provide escort for Philippine vessels but they had provided advice and assistance in other ways.

In this situation, I would advise and assist the Philippine Coast Guard and others. We help them to come up with their own plans but do not accompany. (Reporting and editing by Christian Schmollinger; Ben Blanchard)

(source: Reuters)