Coast Guard steps up U.S. Arctic patrols as Chinese research vessels enter the Bering Sea

Juneau, Alaska — The U.S. Coast Guard this week tracked the Chinese research ship Xue Long as it moved north through the U.S. exclusive economic zone and over the U.S. extended continental shelf in the Bering Sea, with a stated destination of the Arctic. The Xue Long 2, another China-flagged research vessel, was also transiting to the Arctic.

For the first time this year, Chinese ships were observed traveling through the U.S. EEZ and over the portion of the U.S. continental shelf that extends beyond 200 nautical miles offshore in the Bering Sea. In response, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) carried out Operation Frontier Sentinel to maintain close watch during the northbound passage.

The Coast Guard said the operation is intended to protect U.S. sovereign rights, uphold international law, and ensure the service can quickly address any detected malign behavior.

Foreign-flagged vessels may operate within the U.S. EEZ and over the extended continental shelf under international law, but the Coast Guard emphasized it monitors to ensure compliance. Conducting marine scientific research in those areas would require prior U.S. authorization and later sharing of collected data.

The service noted it has seen increased activity in the U.S. Arctic in recent years and expects continued growth in presence there this summer.

“Alongside the Department of War, the Department of State, and our international partners, we are actively responding to competitor activities across an increasingly contested Arctic,” said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District.