Canada and the United States have been covertly monitoring two Chinese icebreaker research vessels in Arctic waters near Alaska for the past few weeks. The Chinese ships, named Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long 2, sailed 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 officials. Data from independent research consultant and ship tracker, Steffan Watkins, revealed that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance plane has been in operation in Alaska since early July.
The Department of National Defence confirmed that the Canadian Joint Operations Command is actively monitoring the activities of the two Chinese vessels in coordination with the Americans. The Canadian military is observing maritime traffic in the Arctic, including the Xue Long and Xue Long 2 ships, which are currently operating outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone.
Last year, the Canadian military initiated a concentrated effort to enhance surveillance of northern waters and collaborate with allies in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Bering Sea off Alaska, through Operation Latitude. The Royal Canadian Navy has deployed various vessels and aircraft for this purpose.
China has stated its Arctic interests are peaceful, focusing on scientific research, environmental monitoring, and climate studies. However, both Chinese research ships are known to deploy advanced buoys for sonar and telemetry purposes, which can track submarine activity, according to Western defense officials.
Defense Minister David McGuinty emphasized the active monitoring of Canadian waters by the military. Analysts have pointed out the importance of Canada’s role in the western Pacific, especially as the U.S. Navy is preoccupied elsewhere. However, limitations exist due to the aging fleet of Canadian navy frigates and coast guard ships.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee have expressed the need for increased surveillance in the Arctic region, citing China’s growing interest and cooperation with Russia in the area. The Canadian government is investing in new destroyers, acquiring Arctic-capable submarines, and planning to deploy an undersea sensor network to bolster defense capabilities in the Arctic.
Conservative defense critic James Bezan emphasized the urgency of safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic, particularly in the face of challenges from Russia and China. Investments in Arctic defense are seen as crucial to protect valuable resources and maritime claims in the region.