In A First, Chinese Coast Guard Fleet Enters Arctic Ocean For Patrol, Russia Joins

For the first time, a Chinese Coast Guard fleet has entered the Arctic Ocean to conduct a joint patrol with Russian ships. This event occurred on October 2, 2024, during China’s National Day Holiday. The patrol is a sign of growing cooperation between China and Russia, and it also marks the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The Chinese ship “Meishan” is at the heart of this operation, signaling a new chapter in China and Russia’s partnership. This Arctic patrol follows earlier missions in the northern Pacific Ocean starting on September 21, 2024.

As climate change melts the ice in the Arctic, sea routes are becoming more accessible. These new routes provide a quicker way for ships to travel between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. However, navigating these waters is still dangerous and often requires the help of icebreakers to ensure safe travel, especially along Russia’s northern coast.

China and Russia are working together to open up these Arctic shipping routes. For Russia, this helps increase their ability to send oil and gas to China, despite facing sanctions from Western countries. On the other hand, China wants to reduce its dependence on the busy shipping lanes that pass through Southeast Asia, especially the Strait of Malacca.

While Russia has not officially confirmed the joint Arctic patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard noticed that two Russian and two Chinese vessels crossed the Bering Sea, which is located between Russia and Alaska.

China’s Coast Guard said that this operation helped them test the capabilities of their ships in unfamiliar waters, expanding their ability to navigate in different parts of the world. The Arctic, with its melting ice and opening shipping lanes, is becoming an important area for global trade. The new routes in this region could greatly cut travel time between Asia and Europe.

Even though China does not have a coastline along the Arctic, it sees the region as a “new frontier.” China is interested in the Arctic for future activities like scientific research, as well as its potential resources. They are also focused on other frontiers, such as space, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence.

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This joint patrol shows how China and Russia are deepening their cooperation in the Arctic region. Their partnership has grown stronger since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As a result, China has increased its investment in Arctic projects, and both countries are looking to benefit from the resources in this region.

U.S. officials have expressed concerns over this growing partnership in the Arctic. Rear Admiral Megan Dean of the U.S. Coast Guard said this patrol signals a greater interest in the Arctic from strategic competitors like China and Russia.

The joint patrol also comes after China and Russia conducted military exercises together. From September 10 to 27, 2024, more than ten ships and 30 aircraft participated in drills in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, showing their close military cooperation.