JUNEAU, AK – The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring five Chinese research vessels currently operating in the U.S. Arctic, deploying aircraft and surface resources as tensions rise over foreign presence in strategically sensitive northern waters.
On Wednesday, a C-130J Hercules aircraft from Air Station Kodiak was launched to conduct surveillance and query the vessels, which include four China-flagged ships and one Liberia-flagged vessel linked to a Chinese university. The response effort is being coordinated with U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command as part of broader homeland defense operations.
The Chinese vessels identified in the Arctic are: Xue Long 2, Shen Hai Yi Hao, Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di (Liberia flagged), Ji Di, and Tan Suo San Hao. Officials have not disclosed the exact location of the ships or the stated mission of the research operations.
The Arctic has become a growing arena for international competition, particularly as sea routes open and global powers expand their polar capabilities. U.S. officials continue to highlight the Coast Guard’s unique role as the only persistent U.S. surface presence in the region.
Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the Coast Guard Arctic District, said the recent commissioning of two new cutters—the polar icebreaker Storis and fast response cutter Earl Cunningham—strengthens the U.S. ability to defend its Arctic borders and counter what officials describe as “foreign malign influence.”
“The commissioning of these assets, along with our aviation patrols, bolsters our control and presence in Alaska’s maritime approaches,” Rear Adm. Little said.
While the Coast Guard did not state whether the vessels had entered U.S. territorial waters, officials emphasized continued vigilance amid increased Chinese maritime activity in the Arctic.
Key Points
- U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring five Chinese research vessels operating in the U.S. Arctic
- Surveillance flights and coordination with U.S. Northern Command are part of ongoing response
- New cutters commissioned to strengthen U.S. presence and maritime defense in Alaska
Coast Guard steps up Arctic patrols as Chinese ships spark strategic scrutiny near U.S. waters.