Both Canada and the United States have been discreetly monitoring two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in Arctic waters off Alaska for the past few weeks. The Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long (Snow Dragon) 2 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 ships in the Arctic Ocean during summers in recent years has raised concerns among security and defense officials. Data collected by independent research consultant and ship tracker, Steffan Watkins, reveals that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance plane has been in operation out of 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 conjunction with the Americans. The defense spokesperson, Cheryl Forrest, stated in a written communication that both vessels are currently operating outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone.
Last year, the Canadian military launched a focused initiative to enhance monitoring of northern waters and collaborate with allies in the Pacific Ocean, including the Bering Sea off Alaska, under Operation Latitude. The Royal Canadian Navy has committed various assets, including the frigate HMCS Ottawa, Arctic offshore ships, surveillance aircraft, Special Operations Forces Command personnel, and the icebreaker CCGS Des Groseilliers.
When questioned about the Chinese ships, Defense Minister David McGuinty emphasized that the Canadian military actively surveils the country’s waters. China, asserting itself as a near-Arctic state, claims the deployment of its icebreakers to the region is solely for peaceful scientific research, environmental monitoring, and global climate change studies.
However, these research vessels have been known to deploy advanced sonar and telemetry buoys. Western defense officials suggest these devices not only monitor environmental changes and undersea topography but are also valuable in tracking submarine activity. Canadian defense researcher Richard Shimooka highlighted the versatility of these research ships in various operations.
Canada’s increasing role in the western Pacific has become significant, especially in the absence of U.S. Navy presence due to engagements in the Iran war. However, limitations exist due to the age of Canadian navy frigates and coast guard ships. The Canadian navy’s frigates, known as the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy, are between 30 and 40 years old.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee, including Conservative defense critic James Bezan, emphasized the need for increased surveillance in the Arctic region. Bezan highlighted the growing interest of the People’s Republic of China in the Arctic and the importance of monitoring their activities.
The federal government has initiated substantial investments in constructing new destroyers, acquiring Arctic-capable submarines, and deploying an undersea sensor network. Bezan stressed the urgency of bolstering Arctic defenses to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, particularly in light of Russia and China’s disregard for Canadian maritime claims in the Far North.