By Gwladys Fouche
OSLO, Sept 21 (Reuters) – The United States is closely monitoring China's activities in the Arctic. A senior US Arctic military official mentioned concerns about the security of the US homeland.
In 2026, four Chinese research vessels have been active offshore in the US Arctic, while there were five in 2025, according to Rear Admiral Bob Little, who leads the US Coast Guard's Arctic District.
The Chinese ships have operated in the maritime zones near Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Strait, extending as far north as the North Pole. Little shared this information during a conference on Arctic security in Oslo.
“I am concerned when they operate in and around US territorial waters,” said Little.
“We definitely have a security concern inside our exclusive economic zones and over our extended continental shelf. These are the activities we are watching very closely.”
Although the ships stayed in international waters, they did not inform the US of their presence beforehand through the usual diplomatic channels.
“When we ask them about their activities, they usually respond that they are operating in international waters or conducting scientific research,” he said.
CONCERNS
There are two main concerns. First, China might be engaged in scientific research aimed at mineral extraction from the seabed in areas claimed by the US. Second, these vessels could be undertaking actions that might give China a military advantage or pose a security threat to the US, according to Little, whose area of operations is extensive, nearly equivalent to Europe.
China, which labels itself a “near-Arctic” state and aims to establish a “Polar Silk Road” in the Arctic, has increased its presence in this region over recent years, sometimes collaborating with Russia and other times working independently.
While in Norway, Little discussed with international partners how they handle similar actions from Russian research vessels.
“In places like the Barents Sea or the Baltic Sea, there are many examples of hybrid threats and activities,” he noted.
“I pay close attention to this, as Russia is my neighbor to the west in the Arctic,” he added.
Moscow refutes claims that its research vessels engage in illegal activities or represent a threat to US interests.