Both Canada and the United States have been discreetly monitoring two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in the Arctic waters near Alaska over the past few weeks. The Chinese research ships Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long 2 were tracked as they 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 summers in recent years has raised concerns among security and defense officials. Steffan Watkins, an independent research consultant and ship tracker, has compiled data showing that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance plane has been operating in Alaska since early July.
The Department of National Defence confirmed on Friday that the Canadian Joint Operations Command has been actively monitoring the activities of the two Chinese vessels in collaboration with the United States. The vessels are currently operating outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone, where the country holds rights to resources and jurisdiction over activities such as research and environmental protection.
Last year, the Canadian military initiated Operation Latitude to enhance monitoring of northern waters and coordinate with allies in the Pacific Ocean, including the Bering Sea near 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.
Defence Minister David McGuinty emphasized that the Canadian military actively surveils the country’s waters and that China has stated its presence in the Arctic is solely for scientific research and environmental monitoring purposes. However, concerns have been raised as the Chinese research ships are known to deploy advanced sonar and telemetry buoys, which can be used for tracking submarine activity.
Richard Shimooka, a defense researcher at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, highlighted the versatility of the Chinese research ships and the importance of monitoring their activities. Canada’s role in the western Pacific has become more significant, especially with the U.S. Navy focusing on other regions. However, Shimooka cautioned that due to the aging fleet of Canadian frigates and coast guard ships, there are limitations to what the country can sustain.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee, including Conservative defense critic James Bezan, have stressed the need for increased surveillance in the Arctic region. Bezan expressed concerns about China’s growing interest in the Arctic and its coordination with Russia in the region. The federal government has started investing in new destroyers, acquiring Arctic-capable submarines, and deploying an undersea sensor network to enhance defense capabilities in the Arctic.
Bezan emphasized the urgency of protecting Canada’s sovereignty in the Far North, especially as Russia and China challenge maritime claims in the region. He called for further investments in Arctic defense to safeguard valuable resources and counter potential adversaries.
