A Chinese research vessel, the Xue Long 2, was spotted off the Alaskan coast recently. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that the icebreaker was located about 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska.
This vessel operates under the Chinese Polar Research Institute and was found within the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS), an area beyond 200 nautical miles from the coast. The ship was actually 130 nautical miles inside this designated zone.
The Coast Guard has pointed out that the U.S. has exclusive rights to manage and protect resources within its ECS. Rear Adm. Bob Little emphasized the importance of monitoring foreign vessel activities to maintain the nation’s territorial integrity.
On the same day, Canadian news outlets reported that the Canadian military was also tracking the movements of the Xue Long 2. They were using a Lockheed CP-140 Aurora aircraft, based in Alaska, to keep an eye on the vessel. According to military spokesperson Maj. Alexander Naraine, the ship was not in Canadian territorial waters.
This attention on the Arctic is timely, especially considering recent actions by the Russian military. On July 25, four Russian military planes were detected flying near the Alaskan coast, passing through the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This area, while considered international airspace, is crucial for U.S. national security.
Historically, U.S. relations with both Russia and China in the Arctic have been complex. Just last year, a joint operation saw Russian and Chinese bombers in the Alaska ADIZ—marking a notable event in military cooperation between the two nations.
The increase in foreign military activity in the Arctic has raised concerns among experts. A report from the Arctic Institute highlights that nations are vying for control over shipping routes and resources as climate change opens up new areas for exploration. This shift has made monitoring these waters more crucial than ever.
In conclusion, the sighting of the Xue Long 2 amid rising tensions showcases the importance of security in the Arctic region. With ongoing geopolitical dynamics, both the U.S. and Canada remain vigilant, ensuring they can respond to any developments swiftly.
For more detailed information on U.S. Arctic policy, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s Arctic webpage.
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United States Coast Guard, China, Alaska
