Identification in the South China Sea was more complicated than simply sighting and classifying a vessel. Merchant junks might display Japanese flags because they hoped the apparent protection would deter local pirates. Pirates copied the practice so they could approach vessels whose crews believed them friendly or protected. Japanese personnel could also appear aboard ships flying Chinese colors, making carrier reconnaissance an intelligence and judgment problem rather than merely the mechanical act of finding a ship.
Notable Point · 20:16-21:51
Far East reconnaissance amid flag and identity confusion
Carrier patrols faced an ambiguous maritime environment where pirates, local vessels, and Japanese personnel could use misleading flags.