In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding increasing military activities by China and Russia in the waters off Alaska, particularly within the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Senator Dan Sullivan highlighted a series of joint naval operations involving Chinese and Russian forces, including a notable joint task force of 12 ships last summer and multiple incursions by Chinese surface vessels in recent weeks. He emphasized the need for a stronger U.S. military presence in the region, questioning the adequacy of Coast Guard resources in responding to these significant threats.

Sullivan pointed out that while the Coast Guard has been active, such as deploying a cutter to shadow Russian naval forces, the scale of the operations necessitates a more robust military response akin to sending a carrier strike group, as would be done on the East Coast. He expressed concern that without a sufficient show of force, adversaries would continue their aggressive maneuvers.

In response, military officials assured that operations in the region are fully coordinated among U.S. Northern Command, Indo-Pacific Command, and Alaska Command. They acknowledged the Coast Guard's role in maintaining presence and asserted that all activities are aligned with U.S. sovereignty and international law. The officials reiterated their commitment to monitoring and responding to foreign military activities, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating U.S. capabilities in the face of growing competition in Arctic waters.