On August 18, the US Coast Guard (USCG) said it was closely monitoring a Chinese research vessel operating in the Arctic waters near Alaska. The move is seen by the US as a measure to support domestic security and defense in the context of increased China's maritime activities in the region over the past three years.
According to USCG, since the beginning of the month, up to 5 Chinese research ships have appeared in the Arctic. On August 13, a C-130J long-range surveillance aircraft was dispatched from Kodiak Island, Alaska, to inspect the ships. The USCG's images show all five ships operating in the extended continental shelf (ECS) that the US claims sovereignty over.
It is not yet clear how China will react to the monitoring, as well as how long the ships are expected to stay in the area. China's Foreign Ministry has not commented, while the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C said its maritime activities are in accordance with international law.
The appearance of the Chinese fleet raises concerns that the Arctic is becoming a new hot spot in global strategic competition.
To increase its presence, the USCG has recently deployed two new ships in Alaska, including the USCGC Storis severest icebreaker and the USCGC Earl Cunningham rapid reaction patrol ship. The US could also work with Canada to closely monitor the area.
