The United States continues to monitor China's research activity in the Arctic, as the Coast Guard shadowed two Chinese ships near Alaska earlier this week.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

China has declared itself a "near-Arctic state" and a stakeholder in regional affairs, despite being located in East Asia. A fleet of five Chinese research vessels has been deployed simultaneously on Arctic missions since last month, which the U.S. Coast Guard said aligns with a three-year trend of increased Chinese activity in the region.

Facing China's growing activity in the Arctic, along with Russia's persistent military presence , the Pentagon has called for a stronger posture and enhanced capabilities . The U.S. mil

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