Both Canadian and American authorities have been discreetly tracking two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in the Arctic waters near Alaska for the past couple of weeks. The Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long 2 ships navigated north through the U.S. exclusive economic zone in the Bering Sea in July, as confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The recurring presence of Chinese research vessels in the Arctic Ocean during summer has raised concerns among security and defense officials. Independent research consultant and ship tracker, Steffan Watkins, compiled data revealing that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance aircraft has been operational in Alaska since early July.
The Canadian Department of National Defence disclosed that the aircraft has been monitoring the activities of the two Chinese vessels in collaboration with the U.S. military. The vessels are currently operating outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone, where the country holds sovereign rights over resources and jurisdiction for research and marine environment protection.
Last year, the Canadian military initiated Operation Latitude to enhance monitoring efforts in northern waters and coordinate with allies, particularly in the Bering Sea off Alaska. The Royal Canadian Navy has deployed the frigate HMCS Ottawa, along with the Arctic offshore ships HMCS Max Bernays and HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, supported by the air force’s surveillance aircraft.
In response to inquiries about the Chinese ships, Defence Minister David McGuinty emphasized the active monitoring of Canada’s waters by the military. China, claiming to be a near-Arctic state, asserts that its icebreakers are solely engaged in peaceful scientific research, environmental surveillance, and climate change studies.
Despite China’s stated objectives, its research vessels are known to deploy advanced sonar and telemetry buoys. Western defense experts suggest that these devices serve to track environmental changes, undersea topography, and potentially submarine activities.
Richard Shimooka, a defense researcher at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, highlighted the multifunctional capabilities of the Chinese research ships and raised concerns about their activities in the Bering Sea region, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
As Canada plays an increasingly vital role in the western Pacific amid global maritime challenges, there are limitations due to the aging fleet of frigates and coast guard ships. The Halifax-class patrol frigates, considered the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy, are now between 30 and 40 years old.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee’s visit to the Arctic in July prompted calls for increased surveillance in the region. Conservative defense critic James Bezan underscored the need for heightened monitoring due to China’s expanding interests in the Arctic and its growing cooperation with Russia in the region.
The Canadian government has initiated significant investments in constructing new destroyers, acquiring Arctic-capable submarines, and deploying an undersea sensor network to bolster its defense capabilities in the Arctic. Bezan stressed the urgency of safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty in the Far North amid challenges from non-recognizing nations like Russia and China.
The country’s strategic investments in Arctic defense are aimed at protecting valuable resources and asserting its maritime claims in the region against potential adversaries.