China Imposes Major Blockade in Bohai Sea

In an unusual move, China effectively blockaded most of the Bohai Sea on September 24 and 25. A navigational warning (LN335/24) issued by the Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration established seven no-sail zones across the Bohai Sea, Bohai Strait and the northern Yellow Sea, raising questions about the nature and scope of the military activity taking place. The notice, which instructed vessels to avoid the restricted areas for an undisclosed military mission, did not provide further details. Meanwhile, the Fujian aircraft carrier appears to have left the training area in Bohai Sea, according to satellite imagery from September 22. Interactive map of PLA activities in the Indo-Pacific as of September 23.