The United States is actively keeping an eye on Chinese research vessels operating close to Alaska. There are worries that these missions, which are said to be scientific, might allow China to exploit American underwater resources or gain a strategic edge.
This year, four Chinese research ships have been spotted in the U.S. Arctic waters, a slight uptick compared to five last year, as noted by Rear Adm. Bob Little, who oversees the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic District. These vessels have traversed several maritime regions off Alaska, including around the Aleutian Islands and even up to the North Pole, according to Little.
David Wade, from the American Security Project, mentioned to the Daily Caller News Foundation that it’s important for the U.S. to respond thoughtfully to China’s activities in the region. He pointed out that since there’s still a lot that isn’t understood about China’s intentions, an aggressive stance against seemingly harmless actions could lead to unexpected outcomes. He also noted the U.S. lacks substantial Arctic resources. Interestingly, China seems increasingly interested in the area too.
While the Chinese vessels stayed in international waters, they did not inform the U.S. about their presence ahead of time. U.S. officials have asked the vessels about their purposes, receiving replies that they were simply conducting scientific research or adhering to legal protocols in international waters, as reported by Little.
Mathieu Boulègue, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), described China’s efforts to gather information in the Arctic as a strategic move to improve their operational capability in that challenging environment. He emphasized that sending expeditions is crucial for gaining a better understanding of the region.
Officials are paying particular attention to Chinese activities within the U.S. exclusive economic zone as well as over the extended continental shelf. They are investigating whether Chinese research could potentially facilitate seabed mining or provide China a military advantage, which does raise security concerns.
There’s a chance the Arctic seabed is rich in important minerals, although much of it remains unexplored. For example, ferromanganese crusts found north of Alaska contain lithium and other valuable elements, and similar deposits may also yield cobalt, tellurium, and rare earth metals, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
These materials could be crucial for military and economic purposes, with cobalt being vital for batteries and turbine engines, while rare earth elements play roles in technologies like missiles and radar systems.
China and Russia have already shown their capability to operate long-range military aircraft near Alaska. In fact, on July 24, 2024, two Chinese H-6 bombers alongside Russian Tupolev Tu-95 bombers entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone for the first time, as reported by NORAD.
As Matthew Johnson from the Jamestown Foundation observed, the consistent presence of Chinese vessels in the area indicates a growing familiarity with operating near the U.S. This, combined with practical experience in polar conditions, could be seen as a strategic development for China.
With the U.S. currently involved in the Iran War, some experts believe this may be an attempt to stretch the U.S. Navy’s resources thin. Wade emphasized the need for the U.S. to prioritize its responses to avoid overextending itself, noting that limited resources and infrastructure in Alaska warrant caution against engaging in activities that could become targets for provocateurs.
This past summer, the Coast Guard took action regarding Chinese research vessels. They monitored the ships Xue Long and Xue Long 2 as they headed towards the Arctic in July. For example, Xue Long traveled through the U.S. exclusive economic zone, prompting the Coast Guard Cutter Munro to keep a watchful eye on the ship.
While foreign vessels have the right to navigate freely in U.S. waters, conducting marine scientific research requires consent from the coastal state, as outlined by the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Moreover, the Pentagon has expressed concerns that China’s research endeavors in the Arctic might have military implications. Beijing operates several icebreakers that the Pentagon has linked with China’s dual civilian-military research objectives.
China’s broader Military-Civil Fusion strategy aims to merge civilian industry and military efforts, ensuring that advancements in technology and expertise can serve both military and civilian purposes. Chinese expeditions in the Arctic have involved testing unmanned underwater vehicles and specialized aircraft, and there’s clear evidence that their navy has been active in coordination with Russia in the region.
Although China is not an Arctic state, it has been seeking to expand its role and access to resources in the area, describing itself as a “near-Arctic” state. The Pentagon’s Arctic strategy calls for improved surveillance, intelligence, and military presence, aiming to deter potential threats.
As cooperation between China and Russia continues to grow in the Arctic, there are concerns about changing security dynamics in the region. Boulègue claimed that greater presence of U.S. forces is crucial for deterrence, emphasizing the importance of operational readiness in case the situation escalates.
