Chinese research ships Xue Long and Xue Long 2 transit U.S. Bering Sea waters en route to Arctic

Published Jul 19, 10:06 AM UTC

Two Chinese research vessels, Xue Long and Xue Long 2, transited north through the U.S. exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf in the Bering Sea this week, marking the first time this year they crossed both zones simultaneously. The U.S. Coast Guard tracked the vessels under Operation Frontier Sentinel, deploying the cutter USCGC Munro to monitor their passage toward the Arctic. While foreign vessels are legally permitted to transit these waters under international law, conducting marine scientific research requires advance U.S. permission and data-sharing obligations. Rear Adm. Bob Little stated the response is part of a coordinated effort across the Department of War, State Department, and international partners. The incident extends a multi-year trend of increased Chinese research vessel activity in U.S. Arctic waters, linked to China's Polar Silk Road strategy. The U.S. faces challenges with an aging icebreaker fleet.