The U.S Coast Guard said that it was responding to heightened activity of Chinese research vessels in the Arctic.

The Coast Guard stated that they are monitoring 5 similar ships near the U.S Arctic, saying that the presence of these vessels is consistent with a 3-year trend of increased activities from Chinese research vessels operating in the U.S Arctic.

The Coast Guard had earlier said it was not uncommon to see Chinese research ships off the Alaska coast.

A statement from the agency said that USCG crews responded to two different Chinese research ships in the region over the past few days in the Bering and Chukchi Seas.

The Coast Guard Arctic District works along with international partners, U.S. Northern Command, and Alaskan Command and oversees the activities of foreign ships operating near U.S sovereign waters and the extended outer continental shelf to ensure security, defence and compliance with U.S and international laws.

Source: www.marineinsight.com