Canada and the United States have covertly been monitoring two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in the Arctic waters near Alaska for the past few weeks. The Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long (Snow Dragon) 2 ships 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 recent summers has raised concerns among security and defense authorities. Independent research consultant and ship tracker, Steffan Watkins, gathered data indicating that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance aircraft has been operational in Alaska since early July.
The Canadian Department of National Defence confirmed that the aircraft has been monitoring the activities of the two Chinese vessels in collaboration with the U.S. military. The defense spokesperson, Cheryl Forrest, stated that both ships are currently operating beyond Canada’s exclusive economic zone, where the country holds rights over resources and jurisdiction for activities like research and marine environment protection.
In the previous year, the Canadian military initiated enhanced surveillance efforts in northern waters, coordinating with Pacific allies in regions like the Bering Sea off Alaska under Operation Latitude. The Royal Canadian Navy has deployed HMCS Ottawa frigate, along with Arctic offshore ships HMCS Max Bernays and HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, in addition to the air force’s surveillance aircraft. Canadian Special Operations Forces Command personnel and the icebreaker CCGS Des Groseilliers are also participating.
Defence Minister David McGuinty highlighted that the Canadian military actively monitors the country’s waters, emphasizing the peaceful purposes declared by China for its Arctic icebreakers, such as scientific research and environmental monitoring. Despite this, Western defense officials note that the Chinese research ships have been equipped with advanced sonar and telemetry buoys capable of tracking environmental changes and submarine activities.
Canada’s increasing involvement in the western Pacific, particularly amidst the U.S. Navy’s engagements in other regions, has placed importance on monitoring activities in the Arctic. The aging fleet of Canadian navy frigates and coast guard ships has limitations on extended operations according to defense researcher Richard Shimooka.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee, including Conservative defense critic James Bezan, expressed the need for heightened surveillance in the Arctic due to increased Chinese interest in the region. The federal government has initiated investments in new destroyers, acquiring Arctic-capable submarines, and deploying an undersea sensor network to bolster Arctic defense capabilities. Bezan stressed the urgency of protecting Canada’s sovereignty in the face of challenges from Russia and China in the Far North.