The United States is monitoring a fleet of Chinese research vessels operating in Arctic waters near Alaska in support of "homeland defense and security," the Coast Guard said.

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

China has always conducted normal maritime activities in relevant waters in accordance with international law, Beijing's Embassy in Washington, D.C., previously told Newsweek .

Why It Matters

The Arctic , increasingly accessible because of climate change, has become a geopolitical and military frontier between the West and Russia, as well as China. The East Asian power has long called itself a " near-Arctic state " and an important stakeholder in regional affairs.

Up to five Chinese research vessels have been depl

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