As reported by both the Chinese and the American Coast Guards, on October 1, this year the Chinese had their first joint patrol with the Russians in the Arctic Ocean (more precisely in the Bering Sea). The patrol was held within the limits of the exclusive economical region of the Russian Federation (Economic Exclusive Zone).
According to the Chinese army, "The first entry of China Coastal defender (CCG) ships into the Arctic Ocean importantly increased the CCG's operational coverage on the ocean, tested the ability of ships to carry out missions in unknown maritime areas, strengthened its participation in global and regional maritime management." The arrival of the vessel ‘Meishan’ coincided with the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia was besides celebrated.
Earlier, due to the fact that on September 21, Chinese and Russian ships besides began joint patrols in the North Pacific.
The shrinkage of the Arctic ice sheet gives the chance that in the future the northern sea way will become a common alternate to the confederate conventional trails.
China is peculiarly curious in developing cooperation with its Russian partner in Arctic waters, as the geopolitical uncertainty may block them from utilizing trade routes through the Malakka Strait. That's where most Chinese ships sail with goods for Western customers. Furthermore, Russia belongs to a group of 8 Arctic countries with the top rights to research the Arctic Ocean.
Last year, the CCG and the Russian national safety Service agreed to strengthen cooperation on maritime law enforcement, and China was invited to observe Russian safety exercises "Arctic Patrol-2023".
Beijing has been trying to increase its presence in the Arctic for years, announcing itself as “a country close the Arctic” and strengthening its capacity for icebreakers and investigation in the region, where it besides makes crucial investments in Russian energy projects
The banner visible on 1 of the ships proclaimed: "Chinese Coast defender sacrificing the heart of the Party; demonstrating loyalty in the Arctic Ocean".
Source:
- Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-coast-guard-enters-arctic-first-time-patrol-with-russia-2024-10-02/.
- US National safety Department, https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3922625/us-coast-guard-encounters-joint-chinese-coast-guard-Russian-border-guard-patrol/
- CNN news, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/03/china/china-russia-coast-arctic-ocean-intl-hnk/index.html.
Author: 梁安基 Andrzej Z. Liang, 上海 Shanghai, 中国 China
Email: [email protected]
Editorial: Leszek B.
Email: [email protected]
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