The US Coast Guard: A Critical Player in the South China Sea

The South China Sea stands as a crucial pivot in modern Indo-Pacific relations. As the United States and China engage in a Great Power Competition, regional autonomy in the South China Sea has become a contentious issue—where China aims to expand its influence and the United States seeks to protect its interests.

Central to this dynamic are the roles of respective coast guards, particularly the U.S. Coast Guard, which has emerged as a key player in maintaining peace and projecting strategic power.

A Unique Diplomatic Tool

The U.S. Coast Guard occupies a unique position, blending military and humanitarian functions. This duality allows it to serve as a critical diplomatic force. Operating in an area of over 74 million square miles with 70 states, the Coast Guard engages in various capacities to support regions in the Indo-Pacific.

Coast Guard crews regularly train local partners and patrol territorial waters. These actions are not just about enforcing maritime laws but also about fostering cultural exchange. For instance, the recognition of the crew on the USCGC Frederick Hatch highlights how their engagement through casual interactions can strengthen ties with local communities.

This approach contrasts with China’s Coast Guard, which has become increasingly militarized in recent years. China deploys former naval vessels under the Coast Guard, signaling a more aggressive posture in the region.

Strategic Shifts in U.S. Operations

In recognition of the growing importance of the South China Sea, the U.S. is placing more emphasis on Coast Guard operations. Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson, Pacific Area Commander, announced in September 2024 that the Coast Guard will double its fast response cutters based in Guam, increasing the number from three to six.

Tiongson emphasized the Coast Guard as a non-escalatory tool, vital for maintaining a “rules-based order” in the region. However, it’s important to note that these increased operations are limited. Admiral Tiongson assured reporters that U.S. Coast Guard vessels would not escort Philippine Coast Guard vessels to disputed shoals, where conflicts have erupted previously.

Despite these limitations, Coast Guard operations have intensified. The USCGC Waesche returned from a 120-day patrol in the Indo-Pacific, conducting joint exercises with Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. These collaborative efforts underscore the commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

International Commitments and Challenges

U.S. commitment to the free and open Indo-Pacific is shared across government branches. In April 2024, the White House published a “Joint Vision Statement from the Leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States,” reiterating their dedication to an international order based on law.

The statement also criticized the “dangerous and coercive use of Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea,” a direct reference to China’s expanded maritime policies. These international maritime policies highlight the tension and complexity of the region.

Safety is often seen as an advantage of coast guard operations in the South China Sea. Coast Guard vessels are less threatening than naval units, but their law enforcement missions are problematic in an area where maritime laws are disputed.

Last May, China announced a new policy empowering its Coast Guard to detain foreign vessels and individuals in waters it claims as under its jurisdiction for up to 60 days. This announcement was timed to coincide with a Philippine convoy to resupply Scarborough Shoal, recognized internationally as part of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Protecting Against Territorial Threats

Philippine-U.S. bilateral defense guidelines from 2023 warn that any armed attack on either nation’s armed forces, including Coast Guards, would invoke mutual defense commitments. This agreement underscores the importance of collective defense in the region.

The ongoing brinkmanship between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors, particularly through coast guard actions, underscores the dangers of escalating territorial disputes. The clash of jurisdictional claims could lead to significant maritime conflicts.

Conclusion

The South China Sea’s role in Indo-Pacific relations is crucial, and the U.S. Coast Guard plays a vital, multifaceted role in this complex environment. As tensions rise, the strategic balance maintained by the Coast Guard will be critical in avoiding escalation.

These operations and diplomatic endeavors highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing maritime law, territory, and international relations in one of the world’s most critical maritime regions.

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