Canada and the United States have been discreetly monitoring two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in Arctic waters near Alaska for the past few weeks. The ships, named Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long 2, traveled north through the U.S. exclusive economic zone in the Bering Sea in July, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The presence of Chinese research vessels in the Arctic Ocean during the summer has raised concerns among security and defense officials in recent years. Data collected by independent research consultant Steffan Watkins revealed that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance plane has been active in Alaska since early July.
The Canadian Department of National Defence confirmed that the surveillance plane has been monitoring the activities of the two Chinese vessels in coordination with the U.S. military. The vessels are currently operating outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone, where the country has rights to marine resources and jurisdiction over activities such as research and environmental protection.
Last year, the Canadian military launched Operation Latitude to enhance monitoring of northern waters and collaborate with allies in the Pacific, including the Bering Sea. The Royal Canadian Navy has deployed ships and aircraft, along with Canadian Special Operations Forces Command personnel and the icebreaker CCGS Des Groseilliers.
Defence Minister David McGuinty emphasized that Canada actively monitors its waters amidst China’s assertion of near-Arctic status for scientific research and environmental monitoring. However, concerns have been raised as the Chinese research ships have been known to deploy advanced sonar and telemetry buoys that can track submarine activities.
Richard Shimooka, a defense researcher, highlighted the potential uses of these devices and the importance of Canada’s role in the western Pacific. He noted the age limitations of Canadian naval assets but stressed the country’s increasing importance in the region.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee, including Conservative critic James Bezan, emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance in the Arctic due to China’s growing interest in the region. The federal government has initiated investments in new destroyers, Arctic-capable submarines, and an undersea sensor network to protect Canada’s sovereignty in the Far North.
Bezan underscored the urgency of safeguarding Canada’s maritime claims in the Arctic, particularly in areas like the Northwest Passage, to defend against potential adversaries and secure valuable energy resources in the region.