Canada and the United States have been discreetly monitoring two Chinese icebreaking research vessels in Arctic waters near Alaska for the past few weeks. The Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long 2 ships ventured 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 summer has raised concerns among security and defense authorities. Independent researcher and ship tracker Steffan Watkins compiled data revealing that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 surveillance aircraft has been in operation from Alaska since early July.
The Canadian Department of National Defence confirmed that the surveillance plane has been observing the activities of the two Chinese vessels in collaboration with the U.S. forces. The vessels are currently outside of Canada’s exclusive economic zone, where the country holds sovereign rights over resources and jurisdiction for research and marine environment protection.
Last year, the Canadian military initiated Operation Latitude to enhance monitoring in northern waters and coordinate with allies in the Pacific, including the Bering Sea region. 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. Additionally, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command personnel and the icebreaker CCGS Des Groseilliers are participating in the operation.
Defence Minister David McGuinty stated that the Canadian military actively watches over the nation’s waters. While China claims to be a near-Arctic state and asserts its icebreakers are solely for peaceful scientific research and environmental monitoring, these vessels are known to deploy advanced sonar and telemetry buoys. Western defense experts suggest these devices not only monitor environmental changes but also track submarine activities.
Richard Shimooka, a defense researcher at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, highlighted the multifunctional capabilities of the Chinese research ships. He raised concerns about potential mapping activities in vital subsea networks in the Bering Sea region, similar to Russian efforts in other areas.
Canada’s role in the western Pacific has become more critical, especially with the U.S. Navy preoccupied elsewhere. However, due to the aging Halifax-class frigates and coast guard ships, Canada’s capacity may be limited. The Halifax-class patrol frigates, considered the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy, are now between 30 and 40 years old.
Members of the House of Commons defense committee, including Conservative defense critic James Bezan, visited the Arctic and emphasized the need for increased surveillance in the region. Bezan highlighted China’s growing interest in the Arctic and its cooperation with Russia, posing challenges to Canada’s response capabilities.
The federal government is focusing on constructing new destroyers, acquiring Arctic-capable submarines, and deploying an undersea sensor network. Bezan stressed the urgency to safeguard Canada’s sovereignty in the North, particularly in disputed maritime areas where adversaries like Russia and China contest Canadian claims. Protecting Arctic resources and energy reserves is a top priority for Canada’s defense strategy.