Chinese Research Vessels and U.S. Military Activities Surge in North Pacific
Chinese Research Vessels and U.S. Military Activities Surge in North Pacific
New data shows that the North Pacific is rapidly militarizing, with China and the U.S. significantly increasing their activities in the region. According to Reuters, the Guam-based Pacific Center for Island Security reported in its October-November 2025 security monitoring report that five Chinese research vessels were active in the Northwest Pacific, while during the same period the U.S. conducted nine multilateral exercises in the region.
The center's director, Leland Bettis, noted that the region is increasingly affected by intensifying geopolitical competition, stating that island populations in the North Pacific have become "potential targets in great power rivalry." According to Bettis, the presence of Chinese research vessels in this region is not surprising, as these vessels are often used for submarine and deep-sea "battlefield mapping" operations.
Chinese research vessels spotted near Kiribati and Guam
According to Micronesia Security Monitor data, three Chinese research vessels, including the space and missile tracking ship Yuanwang 7, were detected near Kiribati last month. With an exclusive economic zone spanning 3.6 million km², Kiribati maintains close relations with Beijing and disclosed last year that it had been concerned about a Chinese intercontinental missile test splashing down near its waters.
Additionally, two Chinese research vessels operated east of Guam, a U.S. territory, in the vicinity of the Federated States of Micronesia and Marshall Islands, which have defense agreements with the United States.
China's Foreign Ministry argued that all scientific research conducted is in accordance with international law and serves peaceful purposes, stating, "If there is a major power that wants to militarize the North Pacific, it is not China."
U.S. intensifies exercises
During the same period, the U.S. conducted nine multilateral military exercises around Guam. One of them, the Malabar Exercise, included air defense and submarine warfare scenarios involving the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India. The Australian Defence Force stated that the exercise was "critical for deterrence against coercion in the Indo-Pacific."
The U.S. maintains military bases in Guam and the Marshall Islands. It also possesses flight and maritime access rights in Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. According to Bettis, this infrastructure network has transformed from a deterrent during the Cold War into a target in the age of high-precision weapons.
Increasing military visibility and new infrastructure
Satellite imagery shared by the Monitor shows that piers, airports, and support facilities are being modernized across Micronesia. According to security experts, this expansion is part of the U.S. effort to strengthen its presence in the region.
The project receives support from commercial donors, the Carnegie Corporation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. With increased activities by China and the U.S. in the region, the North Pacific is becoming a new focal point of geopolitical competition.
Key Points:
Five Chinese research vessels were actively monitored in the North Pacific.
Among the vessels is Yuanwang 7, a missile and space tracking ship.
During the same period, the U.S. conducted nine multilateral exercises in the region.
China and U.S. activities intensified around Kiribati and Guam.
According to experts, the North Pacific is rapidly militarizing and island communities face increasing risks.
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News Link: https://gcaptain.com/chinese-research-ships-us-military-active-in-north-pacific-monitor-shows-2/
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