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The United States is tracking a fleet of Chinese research vessels operating in Arctic waters close to Alaska, according to the Coast Guard. These activities are part of “homeland defense and security,” the Coast Guard stated.
China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to questions about these operations.
Beijing has always conducted normal maritime activities in relevant waters in accordance with international law, as previously reported by Newsweek. The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., noted that China adheres to such practices.
A U.S. Coast Guard C-130J surveillance aircraft from Kodiak Island (south of mainland Alaska) queried these vessels on Wednesday. Identified vessels included the Xue Long 2, Shen Hai Yi Hao, Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di, Ji Di, and Tan Suo San Hao. It is unclear how they responded.
The U.S. Coast Guard monitors foreign vessels in and near U.S. waters with support from the U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command. U.S. waters include up to 13.8 miles of territorial sea, 230 miles of exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and beyond 230 miles of extended continental shelf.
All five Chinese research vessels were spotted operating over the U.S. extended continental shelf when observed by a C-130J crew.
Amid growing “strategic global competition” in the Arctic, the U.S. Coast Guard recently commissioned two ships in Alaska—the polar icebreaker USCGC Stoaris and the fast response cutter USCGC Earl Cunningham—to bolster the U.S. presence in the region.
Rear Admiral Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, noted that these ships enhance control, security, and defense of Alaska’s maritime borders and approaches.
The Chinese vessels’ presence is consistent with a three-year trend of increased activity from research vessels operating in the U.S. Arctic. Last year, three Chinese research vessels conducted operations north of the Bering Strait.
It remains uncertain how long the Chinese vessels will operate near Alaska. The U.S. and Canada might increase their presence in response.
