What Happened: The USS McCampbell has conducted a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in the Sea of Japan through territory that is partly claimed by Russia in Peter the Great Bay, The Japan Times reported Dec. 6.
Why It Matters: This FONOP is part of broader U.S. efforts to challenge teritorial claims throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Background: This is the first FONOP conducted in the area since 1987. Russia's claims in Peter the Great Bay extend 12 nautical miles from the mouth of the bay, but the United States only recognizes claims within 12 nautical miles of the coast. Vladivostok is located along the edge of the bay and hosts the headquarters of the Russian Pacific Fleet.
Read More:
- The U.S. Zeroes in on Russia's Borderlands (Nov. 15, 2018)
- A Distracted U.S. Struggles To Shift Its Global Focus (May 31, 2018)
- In the Pacific Theater, a Cold War Sequel (Sept. 9, 2017)
