A United States reconnaissance aircraft was tracked flying over Arctic waters near Alaska over the weekend, as five Chinese research vessels arrived in the region.

When asked for comment, U.S. Northern Command said in a written response to Newsweek on Tuesday: "We do not release specific information regarding ISR platforms or missions." ISR refers to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Newsweek has also reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The unprecedented presence of Chinese research ships in the Arctic is regarded as part of China 's efforts to assert its claim as a " near-Arctic state " and as an important stakeholder in the region's affairs.

China's presence in the Arctic and its cooperation with Russia have alar

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