The Coast Guard reported tracking two Chinese research ships last week, operating roughly 200 miles off Alaska’s coast.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the service said the Liberia-flagged Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di was detected about 230 miles north of Utqiagvik on Sunday. Two days later, the Chinese-flagged Ji Di was spotted approximately 265 miles northwest of the city.
#BREAKING USCG responded to 2 Chinese research vessels in the Arctic ~230-265 mi from Utqiagvik, AK, between Sunday and Tuesday.
More: https://t.co/eUgYDPqUd4 pic.twitter.com/5RERwN7WoK— USCGArctic (@USCGArctic) September 4, 2025
Both vessels were operating over the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf, which extends beyond the 230-mile exclusive economic zone.
“For both instances, the Coast Guard Arctic District deployed USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) to monitor and query the vessels,” the Coast Guard said. “An HC-130J Hercules fixed wing aircraft from Air Station Kodiak was also deployed Sunday to provide aerial support.”
The Healy and HC-130J aircraft were conducting operations as part of the Coast Guard Arctic District’s Operation Frontier Sentinel, aimed at countering foreign activity in U.S. waters.
“This operation highlights the value of our ice-capable fleet,” said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the Coast Guard Arctic District. “Healy’s operations demonstrate the critical need for more Coast Guard icebreakers to achieve that.”
The Ji Di and Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di are part of five Chinese vessels active in Arctic waters since August, alongside the Xue Long 2, Shen Hai Yi Hao, and Tan Suo San Hao. The Coast Guard said the deployments reflect a three-year trend of increased Chinese activity.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not comment on the report.
