US monitors Chinese research vessels near Alaska — Defense News
The United States is closely monitoring the presence of Chinese research vessels in the U.S. Arctic zone near Alaska. Since the beginning of 2026, four Chinese vessels have operated off the coast of the U.S. Arctic, while there were five throughout all of 2025, Defense News reports, citing Reuters.
Routes of Chinese vessels
According to Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, Chinese vessels operated in maritime areas off the state of Alaska, including near the Aleutian Islands. They also passed through the Bering Strait and headed north as far as the North Pole.
Little said the vessels remained in international waters but did not notify the United States of their presence in advance through diplomatic channels, as is customary. According to him, in response to U.S. inquiries, the Chinese side generally says that it is conducting operations in international waters or scientific research.
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US security concerns
The commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District noted that concern is caused by the vessels' activities within the U.S. exclusive economic zone or over the extended continental shelf. In his view, scientific research may concern the possible development of seabed mineral resources in an area belonging to the United States.
Another concern, according to Little, is that the activity of such vessels could potentially give China a military advantage or pose a threat to U.S. security. China calls itself a “near-Arctic” state and seeks to create a “Polar Silk Road” in the Arctic, increasing its presence in the region independently and in joint operations with Russia.
During a visit to Oslo, Little also discussed the activity of Russian research vessels with international colleagues. The Russian Federation — an aggressor state — denies that its research vessels engage in illegal activity or pose a threat to U.S. interests.
