None of the ships had been seen acting in an unprofessional or unlawful manner, the officials said, adding that the United States had become aware of their presence in recent days.
Chinese officials have complained in the past that the U.S.is meddling in their affairs by flying military jets near a chain of islands known as the Spratlys in the South China Sea.
Beijing has increased defense spending to modernize its forces and wants to develop its navy to defend its growing interests.
U.S. President Barack Obama is wrapping up a visit to Alaska where he discussed environmental issues.
The Pentagon did not disclose the location of the vessels, other than to confirm they were in the Bering Sea, which lies between Alaska and Russian Federation. On September 3, Beijing held a major military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, which has been portrayed as an attempt by Beijing to show off its military might.
The five ships are now operating at an unspecified distance from the Alaskan coast in the Bering Sea.
“We respect the freedom of all nations to operate military vessels in worldwide waters in accordance with global law”, Urban stated.
The Pentagon told the Journal that the ships are still present in the region but refused to give out their whereabouts.
“A replenishment vessel says to me this is in part a demonstration of its capacity to operate far from their shores”, Harold told VOA.
In an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Martha Raddatz, General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the vessels operating in worldwide waters close to Alaska indicate to him that China is “developing capabilities to expand their reach” as they continue to pursue economic interests.
China’s navy confined itself to patrolling its own coast for the first five decades after the Communist takeover in 1949. China has warned the USA that its patrols are entering into areas it deems as its territory. White House representative Josh Earnest says that no threatening activity had been detected.