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Scientists begin Isle of Man marine carbon stores drone search
March 23 – BBC
[Europe]
A year-long project to document blue carbon has begun on the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The research is being jointly carried out by Swansea University, Britain’s National Oceanography Centre, and the Manx government. The project is designed to identify the amount of blue carbon stored around the island, restore plant life in the area, and manage “damaging practices” to the blue carbon.
IPCC scientists to examine carbon removal in key report
March 21 – BBC
[Global]
Scientists from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are currently looking at measures to mitigate climate change in preparation for a key report due to be published on April 4. According to IPCC co-chairs, the report will cover the “full spectrum” of carbon removal approaches. The upcoming report follows two other important IPCC reports which have focused on the causes and impacts of climate change.
Japan aims to speed up start of new offshore wind power plants
March 18 – The Mainichi
[East Asia]
On March 18, the Japanese government announced its determination to accelerate operations of new offshore wind power plants. It was originally established as part of its roadmap toward carbon neutrality by 2050 which positions offshore wind power as a driving force of renewable energy, but will also help reduce its high dependence on Russian energy imports following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Unique data platform brings transparency to global maritime trade, supports efforts to decarbonize sector
March 15 – Stockholm Environment Institute
[Global]
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) has introduced a new platform that will provide detailed information on the greenhouse gas emissions of individual ships. The open-source platform—named Global Shipping Watch—collects and presents cargo data and emissions per vessel on all the maritime exports and imports of the United States as well as the exports of Brazil, Chile, Ghana, Indonesia and Peru in 2019. The SEI aims to expand the scope of the platform to cover a majority of global maritime trade.
Coral resiliency offers encouraging signs despite warming oceans
March 10 – ABC News
[Pacific]
Following 22 months of coral research off the coast of Hawaii, a newly published research suggests that several species of coral could survive an increase of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit in global temperatures, contrary to former beliefs. As summarized by one of the study’s authors, “we’re finding a shred of hope there will be some survivors.” This new report contradicts a 2018 report that projected more than 99 percent of the world’s coral would be lost if global temperatures increase by that same amount.
Thailand makes green push with floating hydro-solar power project
March 10 – Channel News Asia
[Asia]
Thailand has established a floating solar panel installation covering 720,000 square meters of water surface that both converts sunlight to electricity and generates hydropower. Regarded by authorities as the “world’s largest floating hydro-solar farm,” the installation, known as the Sirindhorn dam project, is part of the nation’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. It is the first of 15 such farms that Thailand plans to build by 2037.
China aims to build 450 GW of solar, wind power on Gobi desert
March 5 – Reuters [Paywall]
[China]
On March 5, the director of the Chinese National Development and Reform Commision He Lifeng announced China’s plans to build 450 gigawatt of solar and wind power generation capacity on the Gobi and other desert regions. He also affirms the necessary establishment of high-efficient coal-fired power plants and ultra-high voltage electricity transmission lines to support the steady operation of the grid system.
Huawei transitions from phones to clean energy
March 3 – SupChina
[China]
As China’s telecommunications giant Huawei faces the challenge of continuous U.S. sanctions and fierce competition to secure a reliable semiconductor supply, it announced its strategic plan to diversify its product base toward clean energy and align with the Chinese Communist Party’s target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. Huawei plans to complete this by applying solar power and energy storage, introducing sustainable digital infrastructure technology to reduce emissions, and allocating a $630 million investment to establish a R&D lab and central office for sustainable digital infrastructure projects at its Shenzhen headquarter.
Climate change is hitting the planet faster than scientists originally thought
February 28 – Nature
[Global]
According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report from February 28, rising greenhouse gas emissions could soon threaten the adaptability of many communities. The report highlighted that more than 40% of the world’s population (between 3.3 and 3.6 billion people) live under conditions “highly vulnerable to climate change” and “if global temperatures rise by more than 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels,” irreversible environmental changes will come to pass.
White House science office to hold first event on countering climate change denial and delay
February 24 – The Washington Post [Paywall]
[United States]
On February 24, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) held its “first-of-a-kind” roundtable with 17 of the nation’s leading scientists, engineers and economists from across the nation to discuss the urgent issue of climate change and develop ways to halt delays in climate action. Jane Lubchenco, deputy director for climate and environment at the OSTP, led the discussion.
Sea Ice Around Antarctica Reaches a Record Low
February 23 – The New York Times [Paywall]
[Antarctic]
Since satellite observations began in the 1970s, the extent of Antarctic sea ice steadily increased to a record high in 2014. However, in 2017 it unexpectedly dropped rapidly to the previous record low. In 2022, the deterioration of sea ice has broken records once again after rebounding slightly at the turn of the decade. Researchers at the University of Washington say that it is difficult to connect these surprising dynamics directly to global warming. They ultimately suggest that the large oscillations and net decrease in Antarctic sea ice levels could be due to atmospheric conditions (such as the strength of El Niño phenomena) as well as local factors like ocean currents and winds.
Warren Says Ocean Freight Alliances Add to Inflation
March 25 – Transport Topics
[United States]
Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote letters to the nine largest container carrier companies in which she explains how they are to blame for recent U.S. inflation in the global transportation of goods. Her words, which have brought attention from many parties related to the industry, echo those made by President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address when he spoke of initiating a crackdown on shipping companies for “overcharging” consumers and businesses. In her letters, Warren also called on Congress to address the issues “if the administration lacks the full authority to do so.”
South Korea’s Avikus bets on self-driving technology for ships
March 21 – Nikkei Asia
[East Asia]
The South Korean technology company Avikus, founded in January 2021 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, has announced it will be working on developing self-driving navigational systems for boats of all sizes. Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings advertises such systems will improve safety and reduce accidents.
Ever Forward cargo ship could be stuck in Chesapeake Bay for over a week, officials say
March 19 – CBSNews
[United States]
Almost one year after the Ever Green cargo ship was stuck in the Suez Canal for more than a week, the Ever Forward cargo ship is now stuck in Chesapeake Bay. While the Ever Forward is not blocking the Bay like the Ever Green did with the Suez Canal last year, extraction efforts are tedious as the cargo ship holds more than 4,900 containers and 2,200 tons of fuel on board; the latter of which could create a severe pollution threat if the fuel was released. Officials estimated it would take 10 days to properly and safely free the ship from the Bay.
IACS Votes to Expel Russian Maritime Register
March 13 – The Maritime Executive
[Europe]
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) voted to expel the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS Class) from their association, effective immediately. A successful affirmative vote requires at least 75% of the members of the IACS Council to pass. The IACS “deeply regrets the circumstances” but cited sanction concerns as NATO allied nations continued to impose cut-offs and sanctions against Russia’s economy.
UN to work on safe corridor for ships stranded by Ukraine conflict
March 11 – Business Insurance
[Eastern Europe]
Russia’s sudden intrusion into Ukraine and the limited marine passages in the Black Sea have left numerous cargo and private ships stuck at port. About 100 foreign flagged vessels and their mariners have been reportedly stranded, with at least one seafarer at the port of Olvia already having been killed from a Russian missile. In response, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization convened a virtual two-day meeting to discuss and develop a safe exit plan for the stranded ships. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians.
Two cargo ships hit by blasts around Ukraine, one seafarer killed
March 3 – Reuters [Paywall]
[Eastern Europe]
The rapid invasion of Ukraine by Russia caught many cargo ships transiting the Black Sea area unaware and unwittingly drawn into the conflict. In the first week of the fighting, at least three commercial ships were hit separately by Russian missiles or bombs in Ukranian ports, prompting many shipping firms to halt journeys to all Black Sea ports until the conflict has been resolved, interrupting global supply chains.
World’s largest container lines suspend shipping to Russia
March 1 – Reuters [Paywall]
[Europe]
On March 1, the world’s three biggest container lines—Switzerland’s MSC, Denmark’s Maersk, and France’s CMA CGM—announced a temporary suspension on cargo shipments to and from Russia as part of the Western sanctions followed by Russian invasion of Ukraine. Similar moves have also been taken by Singapore’s Ocean Network Express and Germany’s Hapag Lloyd to accelerate freight challenges and isolate Russia from leading container shipping services.
Ukraine’s ports to stay closed until Russian invasion ends – maritime administration
February 28 – NASDAQ
[Eastern Europe]
Vitaliy Kindrativ, the head of Ukraine Maritime Administration, announced in an email that Ukrainian ports would remain closed until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine concludes. Kindrativ also told reporters that the major port of Mariupol, located on the Sea of Azov, had already sustained damage from Russian shelling. He noted that a “final calculation” of the damage would be calculated “after the end of Russian aggression as there is still a great threat of landing of Russian troops through ports.”
China Pausing on Buying Russian Seaborne Crude After Invasion
February 25 – Bloomberg [Paywall]
[Europe]
As freight costs for cargos loading from the Black Sea have tripled and many other questions have yet to be answered following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, crude oil industry leaders in China decided to briefly pause new seaborne purchases of Russian crude. Notably, China is currently the biggest buyer of Russian crude oil.
Biden administration opens applications for $450 million in port funding tied to infrastructure law
February 23 – The Washington Post [Paywall]
[United States]
The Biden administration has officially opened applications to vie for the $450 million in port grants, which is sourced from the $1 trillion infrastructure recently passed by Congress. An estimated $5 billion of the $1 trillion package is specifically allocated for ports. 2021 witnessed a noticeable increase in cargo processing, wait times, rising prices, and shipping traffic, all of which aim to be aided by the grants. In addition to economic resilience, the grant also aims to support climate change efforts in port infrastructure and related issues.
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approves Ocean Shipping Reform Act
March 24 – Logistics Management
[United States]
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), legislation built to update federal regulations for the international shipping industry, has received bipartisan approval from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. In December 2021 the bill was passed by the House of Representatives with a 364-40 vote and introduced into the Senate in February 2022. It now awaits full Senate approval before potentially being sent to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Multinational maritime forces conclude Exercise Obangame Express 2022
March 22 – Naval Technology
[Africa]
The Obangame Express 2022 (OE22), a week-long multinational maritime exercise sponsored by the US Africa Command, has been successfully concluded. Naval forces of the U.S., France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Brazil conducted at-sea drills throughout the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea as well as in-port training in several coastal states throughout West and Central Africa.
Japan, Cambodia agree to work together on China’s maritime activities in South China Sea
March 21 – The Print
[Asia, South China Sea]
The prime ministers of Japan and Cambodia have released a joint statement voicing a common approach to addressing China’s activities in the South China Sea at a meeting in Phnom Penh. The statement, which affirms the importance of abiding by UNCLOS and realizing a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” was interpreted by some specialists as a slight shift by Phnom Penh from its traditionally pro-Beijing political stance. Japan’s diplomatic overtures aim to nudge Cambodia, a major target of Chinese investment—such as at the controversial Ream Naval Base—and the current ASEAN chief, towards a more assertive position on the South China Sea issue.
Bangladesh seeks $22.4 mln after missile hits ship in Ukraine
March 18 – Reuters [Paywall]
[Europe]
The state-owned shipping corps of a Bangladeshi cargo ship hit by a Russian missile on March 3 has claimed $22.4 million from its insurer. The ship was hit while docked at the Olvia Port (a port located in the Black Sea near the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv), killing one crew member, amidst Russia’s southern offensive into Ukraine. Insurance premiums on carriers operating in the Black Sea have gone up by over 100% since the beginning of the invasion.
Russian oligarch’s yacht stuck in Norway as suppliers refuse to refuel
March 18 – The Guardian
[Europe]
The 223-foot yacht Ragnar, owned by longtime acquaintance of Vladimir Putin Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, is stuck in Norway with local fuel suppliers refusing to sell it fuel. Strzhalkovsky, who has not been sanctioned by the European Union, made his fortune in nickel mining as CEO of the firm Norilsk Nickel. The British captain of the ship is alleging discrimination by Norway since none of the crew is Russian and the ship is sailing under a Maltese flag.
Philippines summons Chinese envoy over ‘illegal intrusion’ in inland waters
March 14 – South China Morning Post [Paywall]
[South China Sea]
The Philippines summoned its Chinese ambassador, Huang Xilian, to formally protest the “illegal intrusion” of a Chinese naval ship in the Sulu Sea from January 29-February 1. The Sulu Sea is an inland sea that the Philippines claims complete sovereignty over. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the activity happened “uninvited and without permission” and “demanded that China respect Philippine territory.” There was no immediate reaction from the Chinese embassy in Manila.
With IUU Fishing Rampant, Ghana May Lose Access to EU Seafood Market
March 11 – The Maritime Executive
[Africa, Europe]
According to data from Ghana’s Fisheries Commission, fewer fish are being caught due to depleted fish populations from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In 2013, the European Commission issued Ghana its first ‘yellow card’ warning after confirming that the nation’s anti-IUU fishing efforts were inadequate. In June 2021, Ghana was issued another ‘yellow card’ for the same issue, making it the first country to receive a second ‘yellow card’. Now Ghana must work to address its IUU fishing efforts or lose access to the European seafood export market.
Tulane launches space law program with $1 million gift
March 10 – Tulane University
[Global]
After a $1 million alumni gift, Tulane Law announced that it will be launching a new program to specialize space law development. The new program and its research will lean heavily on the University’s “world-leading strength in maritime law” and global leadership in the fields of maritime law and the law of the sea, on which space law is currently anchored.
Senate Passes Peters Bill To Help Kids Attend Maritime Academies
March 9 – Radio Results Network
[United States]
The Senate has passed the Changing Age-Determined Eligibility to Student Incentive Payments (CADETS) Act, which will expand the eligibility age for financial assistance to cadets who attended State Maritime Academy and have committed to a post-graduation service obligation. There are six State Maritime Academies around the United States. Before the CADETS Act was passed, the Student Incentive Program was limited to students under the age of 26, which was seen as a disadvantageous rule to older students, many of whom are veterans.
U.N. adopts historic resolution aimed at ending plastic pollution
March 2 – The Washington Post [Paywall]
[Global]
For the first time, the United Nations has adopted a resolution that will lead to developing a legally-binding treaty by the end of 2024 to “end plastic pollution.” Celebrated as a “historic milestone” and a notable display of global unity, the resolution was made on the third day of the biennial United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi with representatives from more than 150 nations in attendance.
Australian Maritime Levy Campaign for Seafarer Welfare reinforced by Counsel’s legal opinion
February 24 – Human Rights at Sea
[Europe, Australia]
The England-based NGO Human Rights at Sea reaffirmed its opinions on a potential amendment to Australian maritime legislation as part of its global Maritime Levy Campaign that works to enhance seafarer support and welfare. Among other points, the NGO’s release notes that Australia is a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention, to which all parties have obligations to “promote the continuous development of port welfare facilities and services.”
Solomon Islands confirms China security draft, alarming Australia
March 25 – BBC
[South Pacific]
The Solomon Islands, an island nation in the South Pacific and neighbor to Australia, has confirmed that it is drafting a security deal with China, sparking concerns from Australia and other nations in the Indo-Pacific. “Leaked papers” show that part of the deal could include a Chinese military base being set up in the Solomons. Both Australia and New Zealand have shared their concerns with the Solomons’ government, citing regional destabilization and security interests.
New Videos Show Russian Navy Firing 8 Naval Cruise Missiles From the Black Sea
March 22 – USNI News
[Eastern Europe]
On March 22, several videos were posted on social media showing what appears to be a Russian Navy frigate fired eight Kalibr long-range naval cruise missiles from a site near the Black Sea port of Sevastopol. The path of the missiles in the videos “bear the same characteristics of a Kalibr NK SS-N-30” missile. On that day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby was unable to confirm the reports of the missile firings but did note increased naval activity in the Black Sea with a total of 21 Russian Navy ships in the Black Sea as of March 22.
AP Exclusive: US admiral says China fully militarized isles
March 21 – Associated Press
[South China Sea]
In an interview with Associated Press, US Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John C. Aquilino said that Chinese actions in the South China Sea were contrary to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s past assurances that the islands would not be turned into military bases. According to Aquilino, “over the past 20 years we’ve witnessed the largest military buildup since World War II by the PRC.”
Chinese military says U.S. destroyer’s passage through Taiwan Strait ‘provocative’
March 19 – Reuters [Paywall]
[East Asia]
On March 17, the USS Ralph Johnson destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait. In a responding statement, the Chinese military called the sail-through a “provocative” and “very dangerous” act that sent the wrong signals to those supporting pro-Taiwan independence. This statement was released on March 19—a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden connected on a scheduled video call to discuss the issue of Ukraine and Russia.
US F-35 and Chinese J-20 fighter jets had close encounter over East China Sea: US general
March 18 – South China Morning Post [Paywall]
[East China Sea]
According to a “source close to Beijing’s military,” US F-35 and Chinese J-20 fighter jets—the two nation’s most advanced fighter jets—have had several encounters in the East China Sea. A top US Air Force general has confirmed at least one of these encounters, noting that the US was left “impressed” with the Chinese pilot’s command and control. While specific timings of such events have been left unclarified, sources did note that such encounters became more frequent in the latter half of 2020 as Donald Trump’s first term came to a close.
India, Indonesia hold second security dialogue, vow to combat terror
March 17 – The Hindustan Times
[South Asia]
On March 17, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mohammad Mahfud held the 2nd India-Indonesia Security Dialogue. According to the Indian Embassy in Indonesia, the two discussed cooperation in “counter-terrorism, maritime, defence and cyber” issues. The two countries also released a joint statement at the conclusion of their dialogue that reinforced their attention to mutual cooperation and the strengthening of bilateral ties.
CMC Berger: Russian Logistics Failures in Ukraine ‘Should Give Pause’ to Taiwan Invasion Planners
March 17 – USNI News
[United States, China]
Commenting on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Marine Corps commandant Gen. David Berger noted that the outcome “should give pause” to those considering an amphibious invasion of the more than 100 mile long coastline of Taiwan. Berger emphasized that “no other operation is more complicated,” from logistics to sustainment once ashore.
U.S. carrier displays air power over Yellow Sea as North Korea may be set to test long-range missile
March 15 – Reuters [Paywall]
[Northeast Asia]
In response to signs that North Korea could be testing its largest intercontinental ballistic missile within the week, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier led military drills in the Yellow Sea while the air defense artillery heightened drills at Osan air base. This long-range test would break North Korea’s self-imposed 2017 moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear testing.
Australia Plans Submarine Base That Can Host U.S. Vessels
March 7 – The Wall Street Journal [Paywall]
[South Pacific]
Australia has announced plans to build a new naval submarine base on its east coast. This new base will be the home port of some of the new nuclear submarines Australia is anticipated to acquire through the AUKUS military partnership. Prime Minister Morrison said Australia is setting aside $7.4 billion for facilities and infrastructure for the new submarine base, which will “enhance [Australia’s] strategic deterrent capability, with significant advantages in operational, training, personnel and industrial terms.”
Navy launches Ice Exercise 2022 in the Arctic Ocean
March 6 – U.S. Navy
[Arctic]
On March 4, the US Navy’s Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022 officially began. The three-week exercise, “designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the Arctic region,” involves personnel from all five U.S. military services as well as representatives from the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, and United Kingdom Royal Navy. ICEX 2022 is the 98th Ice Exercise conducted by the US Submarine Force.
North Korea fires another suspected ballistic missile into sea
March 4 – NPR
[Northeast Asia]
On March 5, North Korea fired another ballistic missile into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, making it the ninth round of weapons tests and demonstrations by North Korea in 2022. Representatives from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command have commented on the launch, including a vow for stronger cooperation to monitor North Korea’s nuclear and missile facilities.
Navy Recovers Crashed F-35C From Depths of South China Sea
March 3 – USNI News
[South China Sea]
The F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter that fell into the sea last month during a naval training accident in the South China Sea has been recovered. The successful recovery, from a depth of approximately 12,400-feet, “eased concerns” that Russia or China would seize the aircraft themselves.
Turkey Closes Bosphorus, Dardanelles Straits to Warships
February 28 – USNI News
[Eastern Europe]
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkey decided to close off the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to any warships except those returning to a home base in the Black Sea. This power to close these straits to warships was given to Turkey by the Montreux Convention of 1936.
US sails through Taiwan Strait, China conducts drills on Hainan
February 28 – Radio Free Asia
[East Asia]
A day after the US 7th Fleet sent one of its destroyers for a “routine” transit through the Taiwan Strait, China’s Hainan Maritime Safety Administration began a three-day military training exercise. The announcement of the exercise was sent with a warning that entering the training area, located near China’s Wenchang Rocket Launch Site, within a six-mile radius was prohibited.
Milan-2022: increased cooperation will play a key role in protecting sovereignty of nations, say chiefs of different navies
February 27 – The Hindu
[India]
On February 27, the India-hosted multilateral naval exercise MILAN-2022 was held at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. In his keynote address, India’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar noted the need for “developing interoperability and trust” and a “synergy of capabilities of friendly navies to mitigate all challenges” found throughout the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. About 13 foreign naval warships and 39 countries participated in MILAN-2022.
US has become ‘troublemaker’ in South China Sea, says Chinese military
February 25 – Business Standard
[South China Sea]
Speaking at a press briefing on U.S. military activity in the South China Sea, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of National Defense said that the United States is a “troublemaker” and “accident-maker” instead of a “defender” of freedom of navigation in the region. The spokesperson cited a submarine collision and an air crash that was “caused” by the U.S. military in the last year and referenced other accidents in prior years.
Hunting Chinese Submarines, Beijing Slams Australia For ‘Spiteful & Provocative’ Actions After Laser Incident
February 24 – The EurAsian Times
[South Pacific]
China and Australia find themselves in a series of verbal battles after a Chinese naval warship allegedly used a military-grade laser at an Australian surveillance plane near the Arafura Sea, which reportedly prompted Australia to place sonobuoys in the water. Beijing-based naval analyst Li Jie suggested that the decision to release sonobuoys in the waters “suggested the Australian plane had found some Chinese submarines underwater.”
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, also known as the F-35 Lightning II, is a fifth generation strike fighter aircraft currently in use by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Marine Corps (USMC), and Navy (USN). In addition to the various U.S. military services, the F-35 is also used by thirteen U.S. allies, seven of which are cost-sharing partners with the United States.
The Joint Strike Fighter Program is the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)’s largest weapon procurement program to date in terms of total estimated acquisition cost. The U.S. military currently plans to acquire a grand total of 2,456 F-35s, which are collectively worth about $397.8 billion. Furthermore, this aircraft is projected to be operable until 2070.
This relatively affordable stealth Joint Strike Fighter was designed to merge various combat aircraft programs into one multi-role combat aircraft that can perform both air superiority and strike missions.
The F-35 is produced in three versions designated to the various requirements of different military operations. The F-35A, a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version of the aircraft, makes up the second largest fighter jet fleet of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The F-35A is designed to replace the older F-15s and to combine with the F-22 Raptors and the new F-15EX as the service’s new high/low mix aircraft. The F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version of the aircraft, is possessed by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to replace its old F/A-18 versions and the AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft. And the F-35C is a carrier-suitable conventional takeoff and landing version designed for U.S. Navy (USN) carriers and U.S. Marine Corps carrier-based operations.
As the United States moves to shift its strategy to one more focused on great power competition, specifically a global strategic competition with China, the F-35 aircraft is playing an increasingly important role as the U.S. military adapts a new defense strategy explicitly focused on preparing for a military conflict with China. Due to its high costs and a lower demand for a dogfight, the production of the F-22 Raptors halted in 2011. As America’s only fifth generation fighter currently in production, the F-35s will be the cornerstone of almost every U.S. military operation around the world, especially in the West Pacific, where China’s growing military power is coming face-to-face with that of the United States’.
On March 18, 2022, it was confirmed for the first time that the United States’ F-35s had “at least one encounter with China’s fifth generation J-20 stealth fighters” over the East China Sea. This marks the first non-friendly encounter between the only two fifth generation fighters currently in production. Most significantly, according to USAF commander Kennth Wilsbach, close contact between the F-35s and China’s J-20 “became more frequent in the second half of 2020,” which indicated that the frequency of air operations in the West Pacific, especially around area near the Taiwan Strait, has risen dramatically over the past two years. The increased level of air operations on China’s peripheral areas such as the East and South China Sea eventually led to increased frequency of accidents that could make the region more risky. For instance, on January 24, 2022, it was reported that an F-35C crashed and sank into the South China Sea when trying to land on USS Carl Vinson. The wreckage of this aircraft was successfully recovered on March 3 by the U.S. Navy, but multiple observers noted concerns about China or Russia finding and taking the aircraft first for themselves.
Although the Biden administration has defined its strategic competition with China as a competition for influence, which makes it less likely to seek armed conflict with China in the near-term, the notion of a strategic competition inevitably raises the frequency of air and naval operations in the West Pacific. Under that strategic shift, the F-35s will become a more frequent visitor, if not a resident, of the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Observers can expect to see a higher frequency of reports on encounters between the F-35s and Chinese aircraft and naval vessels in the future.
Moreover, the F-35s are also playing an important role in the U.S.-led security system as it is also becoming the increasingly dominant fighter jets of the U.S. allies, especially those in the Indo-Pacific region. Out of the thirteen allies that possess the F-35s, four of them are in the Indo-Pacific region: Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. Japan has shown a strong interest in obtaining the F-35A to replace the dated F-15Js and enhance the combat capabilities of its Air Self Defense Force. Tokyo is also seeking to acquire more F-35Bs to pair with its Izumo-class helicopter carriers. Australia, South Korea, and Singapore are also possessing considerable numbers of the aircraft despite various reports of technical issues. Thus, F-35s can be expected to be seen more frequently in the airspace of the Indo-Pacific region.
Although an official decision has not yet been made, Taiwan has also previously shown a strong interest in acquiring the F-35Bs. While the U.S. did not agree to sell the leading stealth aircraft to the self-ruled island at the time, the volatile situation across the Taiwan Strait could have significant implications for future Taiwan requests for U.S. fighter aircrafts. As mainland China continues to increase frequency and volume of flyovers, the question of Taiwan’s air space defense will inevitably be thrown at the United States. What’s more, Taiwan has actually already tested the water in 2019 when Taipei requested a fleet of new fighters from the U.S., though they did not specify a type. Despite the sensitivity of arms sales to Taiwan, the F-35 cannot be ruled out as a potential sale option should the cross-strait situation further worsen and its regional implications become even heavier.
This issue’s Spotlight was written by Yilun Zhang, ICAS Research Associate & Manager, ICAS Trade ‘n Technology Program
ICAS is proud to announce the release of the ICAS Blue Carbon and Climate Change (BCCC) Program! In this program, our core program staff and external program partners will explore pathways for sustainably developing the blue carbon economy and combating climate change through open dialogue and novel policy research. Most prominently, the program endeavors to find new pathways for multilateral engagement and mediation in areas of competition to promote mutually beneficial cooperation on climate change where possible.
The program will feature four primary projects:
Explore the BCCC Home Page to learn more:
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On March 24, 2022, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) officially launched its Blue Carbon & Climate Change (BCCC) Program! The inaugural event of the BCCC program brought together expert scholars from the United States, China, Japan, and Australia to discuss each country’s practices and perspectives on blue carbon and its potential role in building global relations.
A full summary of the event will be released by the end of the week. Follow us and subscribe to stay informed of our events, updates, and new releases.
by Nong Hong
March 11, 2022
On March 3, seven Arctic Council member states–Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United States–issued a joint statement on cooperation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The representatives of these countries said they will not travel to Russia, the current council chair, for meetings and will temporarily pause participation in all meetings of the council and its subsidiary bodies. This raises serious barriers for international cooperation in the Arctic.
by Nong Hong
March 1, 2022
Although not an Arctic state, China has called itself a “near-Arctic state” and is an observer in the Arctic Council. It takes an interest in Arctic affairs and the development of Arctic shipping routes such as the Northern Sea Route which could see transits between Europe and Asia shortened if they become commercially viable in the future. While China-Russia ties look to be getting ever closer, Hong Nong explains why close cooperation between the two countries in the Arctic—which some call the theater of a new Cold War—is not at all straightforward.
Who Owns Antarctica? The Geopolitics of the Seventh Continent
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
6:00am – 8:00am EST
On April 5, 2022, ICAS Executive Director Dr. Nong Hong will be participating in a Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies conference “Who Owns Antarctica? The Geopolitics of the Seventh Continent” alongside other expert speakers. She will be discussing the important question: “Will China Compete for the Poles?”
Learn more about the event and the other speakers on this page.
The Institute for China-America Studies is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to strengthening the understanding of U.S.-China relations through expert analysis and practical policy solutions.
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