U.S. Coast Guard tracks Chinese research vessel Xue Long in first transit of U.S. Arctic waters in 2026

The U.S. Coast Guard began tracking a Chinese research vessel last week near the Arctic to ensure compliance with international law, the service announced.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro observed the Chinese ship Xue Long as it transited through the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and over the U.S. extended continental shelf in the Bering Sea toward the Arctic.

“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 of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District.

The surveillance was conducted as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel, which tracks U.S. adversaries in and around U.S. waters to protect national security interests. This marked the first time in 2026 that Chinese vessels were recorded transiting the area, the Coast Guard said.

Climate Change and Arctic Access

The thawing of ice driven by climate change has opened opportunities to traverse previously inaccessible shipping lanes and extract rare earth minerals. Nations seeking to conduct marine scientific research inside the U.S. EEZ or on the U.S. extended continental shelf must request permission from the United States before doing so.

Previous Incidents

In September 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to two Chinese research vessels operating in the Arctic.

U.S. Response and Investments

As geopolitical tensions rise in the region, the U.S. is increasingly focused on bolstering security in the Arctic, investing significant capital and developing new military courses and initiatives.

• Executive Order: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 8, 2025, directing the Department of Homeland Security to expand its fleet of Arctic Security Cutters to address the “growing threat” in the region.
• Contract Award: In February 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $3.5 billion contract to defense manufacturer Davie Defense, Inc., to build five cutters, bringing the total number of cutters currently under contract to 11. The first cutter is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

Military Expansion

The Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps are also expanding their Arctic capabilities:

• The Alaskan-based 673d Security Forces Squadron launched a new five-day combat course that prepares airmen for long-term combat in extreme conditions.
• The U.S. Marine Corps introduced a new Alaska rotation to train service members for military operations in extreme cold.

About the Author

Riley Ceder is a reporter at Military Times, covering breaking news, criminal justice, investigations, and cyber. He previously worked as an investigative practicum student at The Washington Post, where he contributed to the Abused by the Badge investigation.