US Coast Guard monitors Chinese research vessel in Bering Sea EEZ

A U.S. Coast Guard patrol ship closely monitored a Chinese research vessel, the Xue Long, as it transited through the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Bering Sea. The U.S. stated that the Chinese vessel was en route to the Arctic to meet another Chinese research ship, the Xue Long 2.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched "Operation Frontier Sentinel" to track the Xue Long's northward passage. The operation aims to protect U.S. sovereign rights and ensure compliance with international law, allowing the Coast Guard to respond swiftly to any "malicious behavior."

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. EEZ extends around its states and territories. International law permits foreign vessels to operate within these zones and the extended continental shelf, which reaches beyond 200 nautical miles from the North American coastline.

However, the U.S. Coast Guard stressed that scientific research conducted within the U.S. EEZ or extended continental shelf requires prior U.S. permission and subsequent sharing of collected data. The U.S. maintains vigilance to ensure Chinese research vessel activities comply with these regulations.

The incident occurs amid increasing activity in the Arctic region, driven by climate change opening up new shipping routes. Both China and Russia have been expanding their military, commercial, and scientific presence in the Arctic. The U.S. is also bolstering its icebreaking capabilities, with Congress approving the construction of new Arctic Security Cutters, aiming to significantly increase its fleet compared to Russia's extensive icebreaker operations and China's growing fleet.