Canada and the United States have been discreetly monitoring the movements of two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in the Arctic waters near Alaska in recent weeks. The Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long 2 ships sailed 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. Data from an independent research consultant and ship tracker, Steffan Watkins, reveals 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 aircraft has been monitoring the activities of the two Chinese ships in coordination with the U.S. forces. Both vessels are currently operating outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone, where the country holds sovereign rights over resources and jurisdiction over research and environmental protection activities.
Last year, the Canadian military initiated Operation Latitude to enhance monitoring of northern waters and collaborate with allies in the Pacific Ocean, including the Bering Sea off Alaska. The Royal Canadian Navy has deployed the frigate HMCS Ottawa, Arctic offshore ships HMCS Max Bernays and HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, along with the air force’s surveillance aircraft. Canadian Special Operations Forces Command personnel and the icebreaker CCGS Des Groseilliers are also participating in the operation.
China has declared itself a near-Arctic state and stated that its icebreakers are solely for peaceful scientific research, environmental monitoring, and climate change studies. However, these research vessels have been known to deploy advanced sonar and telemetry buoys, which are capable of tracking environmental changes and submarine activity.
As Canada increases its presence in the western Pacific, experts warn that the country’s aging frigates and coast guard ships may limit its capabilities. 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, including Conservative defense critic James Bezan, have emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance in the Arctic region due to China’s escalating interest. The Canadian government is investing in new destroyers, Arctic-capable submarines, and an undersea sensor network to strengthen its Arctic defense capabilities.
Bezan stressed the importance of protecting Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic region, especially as Russia and China challenge the country’s maritime claims. He highlighted the significant energy resources in the Arctic, including the Beaufort Sea, underscoring the need for robust defense measures against potential adversaries.