Canada—a key United States ally in the Arctic and NATO—is actively monitoring vessels and has been tracking five Chinese research ships operating around Alaska since last week.

China 's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.

Why It Matters

The presence of the Chinese research fleet comes as China—which has long described itself as a " near-Arctic state " and an important stakeholder in t he region's affairs—expands its activities in the Arctic, including scientific research with potential military applications .

Canada is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command ( NORAD ), which provides maritime warnings for North America. In July last year, a Canadian warship carried out an " Arctic awareness and sovereignty " mission

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