Canada and the United States have been covertly monitoring two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in the Arctic waters near Alaska for the past few weeks. The ships named Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long 2 sailed through the U.S. exclusive economic zone in the Bering Sea in July as per reports from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The presence of Chinese research vessels in the Arctic Ocean during summer has raised concerns among security and defense authorities. Data from independent research consultant and ship tracker Steffan Watkins shows that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance plane has been in operation in Alaska since early July.
The Canadian Department of National Defence confirmed on Friday that the surveillance plane has been observing the activities of the two Chinese ships in coordination with the American authorities. The defense spokesperson Cheryl Forrest stated that both vessels are currently operating outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone, an area where the country has rights over resources and jurisdiction for activities such as research and marine environment protection.
Last year, the Canadian military initiated Operation Latitude to enhance monitoring of northern waters and collaborate with allies in the Pacific, including the Bering Sea off Alaska. The Royal Canadian Navy has deployed the frigate HMCS Ottawa and Arctic offshore ships HMCS Max Bernays and HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, along with the air force’s surveillance aircraft. Additionally, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command personnel and the icebreaker CCGS Des Groseilliers are participating in the effort.
Regarding the Chinese ships, Defense Minister David McGuinty mentioned that the Canadian military actively watches over the country’s waters. China, asserting itself as a near-Arctic state, has stated that its icebreakers are primarily for peaceful scientific research, environmental monitoring, and climate change studies. However, these research vessels have been known to deploy advanced sonar and telemetry buoys capable of tracking submarine activity.
Western defense officials highlight the multifunctional capabilities of these research ships, emphasizing their potential role in tracking undersea movements. Richard Shimooka, a defense researcher at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, underscored the importance of monitoring Chinese activities in the Arctic region.
Canada’s involvement in the western Pacific, particularly amidst the U.S. Navy’s engagements, has been significant. However, Shimooka cautioned that due to the aging fleet, Canada’s capabilities are somewhat limited. The Halifax-class patrol frigates, considered the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy, are between 30 to 40 years old.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee, after visiting the Arctic in July, stressed the need for increased surveillance in the region. Conservative defense critic James Bezan highlighted the growing interest of China in the Arctic region and the importance of enhancing Canada’s monitoring capabilities.
The federal government has started investing in the construction of new destroyers, acquiring Arctic-capable submarines, and deploying an undersea network of sensors. Bezan emphasized the urgency in safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic against challenges from Russia and China, who do not recognize Canada’s maritime claims in the Far North.