News Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard has spotted a Chinese research vessel, the Xue Long 2, approximately 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska. Notably, the icebreaker was found operating 130 nautical miles within the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf, where the U.S. manages natural resources. The U.S. Coast Guard has dispatched a C-130J Hercules to monitor the situation, emphasizing national security in light of growing foreign military activities in the Arctic region, including proximity to Canadian forces and the recent presence of Russian military aircraft.
U.S. Coast Guard Spots Chinese Icebreaker Off Alaska’s Coast
On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard made an interesting discovery off the coast of Alaska: a Chinese research vessel, the Xue Long 2. This vessel was spotted about 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska, sailing in the North American Arctic. What’s more, this icebreaker was found to be 130 nautical miles within the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)—an area where the U.S. has exclusive rights to explore and manage natural resources.
The Xue Long 2, translating to “Snow Dragon 2,” is actually China’s first domestically built polar icebreaker, operated by China’s Polar Research Institute. Since it began its service in 2019, it has been on several adventurous missions across both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. This time, the vessel is part of a research mission that began its journey from Shanghai back on July 5.
Coast Guard’s Response
Upon detection, a U.S. Coast Guard C-130J Hercules surveillance aircraft was dispatched to keep an eye on the vessel. A photo of the Xue Long 2 was subsequently released. Rear Adm. Bob Little, who commands the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, reiterated the importance of actively monitoring foreign vessels in order to ensure the integrity of U.S. territorial waters. The Coast Guard is certainly not taking this lightly!
It’s also worth mentioning that this isn’t just a one-sided affair. The Canadian military has been keeping tabs on the Xue Long 2 as well. Although it’s currently outside Canadian territorial waters, they’re closely monitoring the situation with their own Lockheed CP-140 Aurora aircraft.
Russian Activity in the Region
Adding to the excitement, earlier in the week, four Russian military planes were tracked near the Alaskan coast by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). These planes had entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area that requires identification for national security purposes. In fact, just last summer, American and Canadian fighter jets were deployed to intercept various Russian and Chinese bombers as they approached the Alaskan coast.
Meet the Icebreaker: Xue Long 2
The Xue Long 2 measures 122.5 meters in length and has a displacement of 13,996 tonnes, designed specifically to break through ice up to 1.5 meters thick. After a recent maintenance phase, it resumed its significant Arctic adventures, including an impressive journey to the North Pole. With the icebreaker smoothly navigating the chilly waters, it sets the stage for further research expeditions.
Interestingly, the Xue Long 2’s presence in these waters highlights the strengthening ties between Russia and China in the Arctic region. Joint patrols and operations have showcased their growing military cooperation, especially during the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaker repairs last summer.
Current Situations and Future Monitoring
While the Xue Long 2 is diligently carrying out its research mission, the U.S. Coast Guard’s own icebreaker, the Healy, is currently engaged in operations about 400 nautical miles further east. The situation is closely watched, not only for the sake of resource management but also for national security based on the continuous foreign military presence in the Arctic.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Xue Long 2’s current mission?
The Xue Long 2 is engaged in a summer research mission that involves exploration and data collection in the Arctic region.
How does the U.S. Coast Guard respond to foreign vessels like the Xue Long 2?
The U.S. Coast Guard actively monitors foreign vessels to ensure the territorial integrity of U.S. waters. In the case of the Xue Long 2, a surveillance aircraft was deployed to observe the situation.
What is the significance of the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) for the U.S.?
The U.S. ECS extends beyond 200 nautical miles offshore, granting the U.S. exclusive rights to manage resources found in that area.
Key Features of the Xue Long 2
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 122.5 meters |
| Displacement | 13,996 tonnes |
| Maximum Ice Thickness | 1.5 meters |
| Year of Commissioning | 2019 |
| Notable Achievements | Completed expeditions to North Pole |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- KIRO 7
- gCaptain
- Alaska Beacon
- Newsweek
- Wikipedia: Arctic
- Google Search: Xue Long 2
- Google Scholar: Chinese icebreaker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States
- Google News: Alaska Coast Guard
