Canadian forces spot a Chinese spy buoy in the Arctic. These buoys monitor U.S. submarines and monitor the melting of ice sheets.
Canada’s Defense Minister Anita Anand said in a televised statement that such “activities are not new”, implying that China has been conducting surveillance operations in the region for some time.
Authorities described the objects as “dual-purpose technology,” but they have been reported in Canadian media as buoys used for espionage.
It is unclear whether the Chinese buoy was floating in Canadian waters or intentionally anchored in the water.
Monitoring buoys can track environmental and weather conditions, water salinity, and track fish.
Earlier this week, Giant Mystery Ball Washed ashore in Japanlater turned out to be a buoy, but the owner does not claim it.
Pentagon official Daniel Le Boutillier said Canadian forces located and recovered the surveillance equipment, but did not provide further information about the operation.
China has long had an interest in building a presence in the Arctic. This will allow us to secure shorter trade routes to Europe as the glaciers melt.
But as China’s presence grows globally, so do concerns about excessive influence, surveillance and espionage.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie said in an interview with CNN that China is becoming an increasingly disruptive force.
“When it comes to China, we will challenge China when we need to, and we will work with China when we need to,” she said.
“Regarding the issue over the Arctic within our maritime borders, or any form of foreign interference, we have been clear and that is how we deal with this issue.”
Earlier this month, a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over Canadian airspace to the United States before U.S. forces. shot down into the Atlantic Ocean.
Beijing denies He said the balloons would be used for surveillance purposes, instead being “airships” for meteorological research.
Canada’s parliament is also currently investigating allegations of Chinese election interference.