The U.S. Coast Guard detected the Chinese research vessel Xue Long 2 approximately 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska, on July 25, 2025. The ship, operated by China’s Polar Research Institute, was found within the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS), which the U.S. has exclusive rights to protect.
The Coast Guard responded using a C-130J Hercules aircraft and emphasized its commitment to monitoring foreign vessels in U.S. waters. Canadian forces are also tracking Xue Long 2, confirming it is not in Canadian territory. This heightened vigilance follows recent incidents where Russian military planes were spotted near the Alaska coast, necessitating identification for national security.
Overall, both U.S. and Canadian forces remain watchful of foreign military activities in the Arctic region.
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