For the first time this year, Chinese vessels were tracked transiting through the US EEZ and over the US extended continental shelf (beyond 200 nautical miles from the coastline) in the Bering Sea. In response, the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) executed Operation Frontier Sentinel to actively monitor the vessels during their northbound transit. This operation is designed to protect American sovereign rights, ensure consistency with international law, and position the Coast Guard to rapidly respond to any detected malign activity.

While foreign vessels are permitted to operate within the US EEZ and over the US extended continental shelf in accordance with international law, the Coast Guard remains vigilant to ensure their activities comply with established international law. In particular, conducting marine scientific research within the US EEZ and/or on the US extended continental shelf would require advance permission from the United States and subsequent sharing of information collected.

In recent years, the Coast Guard has observed heightened activity in the US Arctic and anticipates continued and increased presence in the region this summer.

“Alongside the Department of War, the Department of State, and our international partners, we are actively responding to competitor activities across an increasingly contested Arctic,” said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander US Coast Guard Arctic District.