A new Department of Homeland Security report warns that China has operated an “unprecedented number” of military and research vessels in or near U.S. Arctic waters this year, prompting a stepped-up American response.
DHS says the U.S. Coast Guard moved decisively to defend U.S. sovereignty as Chinese activity expanded and Beijing continued building a powerful icebreaking fleet that could challenge U.S. maritime control if operations fall outside legal limits.
The United States is looking to pull ahead of China in the race to navigate the Arctic, according to a Department of Homeland Security document, and warns that a shortage of U.S. shipbuilders could hamper the effort.https://t.co/rPXn64QjdT
— ABC News (@ABC) November 26, 2025
To counter rising threats, the U.S. commissioned its first new polar icebreaker in more than 25 years and plans to add more under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocated $8.5 billion for accelerated shipbuilding.
DHS officials warn that insufficient icebreaking capabilities could result in lost influence over Arctic shipping lanes and resources.
The Coast Guard has expanded patrols as Chinese research vessels appear more frequently near Alaska, with U.S. and Canadian forces jointly monitoring China’s movements.
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TIPP Staff
