What Happened According to an April 28 report, Chief of U.S. Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson warned that the United States would treat China's coast guard and maritime militia the same as it does the country's navy. Richardson allegedly told the Financial Times that he made these remarks to his Chinese counterpart, Shen Jinlong, in January — adding that the U.S. Navy will respond to "provocative acts" by Chinese maritime militias in its continued effort to "conduct routine and lawful operations" around the world. Why It Matters If true, Richardson's remarks would reflect a significant evolution in the U.S. response to China's so-called "grey zone" strategy, which involves employing paramilitary forces — including the coast guard and fishing vessels — to enforce Beijing's maritime interests.