The United States Coast Guard is closely monitoring a fleet of Chinese research vessels operating in Arctic waters near Alaska, an initiative tied to “homeland defense and security,” according to recent statements.
China’s Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter.
The Embassy of China in Washington, D.C., previously indicated to Newsweek that China has always engaged in normal maritime activities in accordance with international law.
The significance of this development is underscored by the fact that the Arctic has become an increasingly important geopolitical and military frontier as climate change makes these regions more accessible.
China positions itself as a “near-Arctic state” and claims to be a vital stakeholder in the region’s affairs.
The Coast Guard reports that as many as five Chinese research vessels have been deployed in simultaneous Arctic missions since the beginning of the month.
This increase aligns with a growing trend of Chinese maritime activity in Arctic waters over the past three years.
A press release from the U.S. Coast Guard noted that its Arctic District dispatched a C-130J long range surveillance aircraft from Kodiak Island on Wednesday to monitor Chinese activities in what the Coast Guard refers to as U.S. Arctic waters.
The Chinese vessels identified included the Xue Long 2, the Shen Hai Yi Hao, the Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di, the Ji Di, and the Tan Suo San Hao.
Details regarding their responses to the Coast Guard’s query remain unclear.
The U.S. Coast Guard has stated that it collaborates with U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command to maintain vigilance over foreign vessels operating in and near U.S. waters.
Northern Command oversees the Pentagon’s homeland defense operations, while Alaskan Command is responsible for carrying out missions in that region.
The U.S. maritime jurisdiction encompasses the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and extended continental shelf (ECS), extending up to 13.8 miles, 230 miles, and beyond 230 miles from the coastline, respectively.
According to images released by the U.S. Coast Guard, all five Chinese research vessels were active within the boundaries of the U.S. ECS when detected by the C-130J flight crew.
The increasing presence of these vessels comes amid intensifying “strategic global competition” in the Arctic.
As a response, the U.S. Coast Guard recently commissioned two new vessels in Alaska: the polar icebreaker USCGC Storis and the fast response cutter USCGC Earl Cunningham, enhancing America’s maritime capabilities in the region.
Rear Admiral Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, commented that the commissioning of these ships bolsters the nation’s ability to manage, secure, and defend Alaska’s maritime borders and approaches.
He emphasized the importance of utilizing aviation resources in countering foreign malign influences as the U.S. continues to enhance its surface fleet.
The Coast Guard highlighted in an earlier statement that the activity of Chinese research vessels has been consistent with a three-year trend, noting that just last year, three Chinese research vessels were conducting studies north of the Bering Strait.
What remains uncertain is the duration of the Chinese research vessels’ operations in Arctic waters near Alaska, and it is plausible that both the U.S. and its ally Canada might amplify their presence in the region in light of these developments.
image source from：newsweek
