China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels have entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time while conducting a joint exercise with the Russian Border Guard.
At the first time ,A Chinese coast guard fleet has entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time, carrying out a joint patrol with Russian ships, per state media on October 2, 2024.
The operation, which took place during China’s week-long National Day Holiday, coincided with the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the diplomatic relationship between China and Russia.
Vessel “Meishan”
The arrival of the vessel “Meishan” marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. The joint patrol follows similar missions in the northern Pacific Ocean that began on September 21.
Arctic shipping routes
It is noteworthy that China and Russia are taking steps to establish Arctic shipping routes, mainly as Russia aims to increase oil and gas supply to China despite Western sanctions. At the same time, China aims to reduce its reliance on shipping through Southeast Asia’s Strait of Malacca.
Two Chinese vessels
On the other hand the United States Coast Guard said that two Russian ships and two Chinese vessels were seen crossing the Bering Sea, which separates Russia and Alaska.
“This recent activity demonstrates the increased interest in the Arctic by our strategic competitors,” Rear Admiral Megan Dean, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District, was quoted as saying.
“The demand for Coast Guard services across the region continues to grow, requiring continuous investment in our capabilities to meet our strategic competitors’ presence and fulfill our statutory missions across an expanding operational area.”
Unfamiliar seas
The Chinese Coast Guard stated that the operation increased their navigational range and tested their ships’ capabilities in unfamiliar seas, supporting their goal of being involved in international and regional ocean governance.
Increasing Chinese investment
This coordinated patrol shows China and Russia’s expanding cooperation in the Arctic. Their relationship has strengthened since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, leading to increasing Chinese investment in Arctic projects and a shared interest in the region’s resources.
Joint practice
China and Russia conducted a joint practice with over ten ships and more than 30 aircraft in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk from September 10 to 27, 2024, to showcase their military cooperation.
What appears to be the same China Coast Guard vessel as seen from a US Coast Guard HC-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
It was observed with two Russian Border Guard ships and another Chinese Coast Guard vessel approximately 440 miles (708 km) southwest of St Lawrence Island on what the USCG states was 28 September 2024 (the image appears to have been from the early hours of ‘09/29/24’, but St Lawrence Island is very close to the International Date Line).
This marked the northernmost location where Chinese Coast Guard vessels have been observed by the US Coast Guard. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
Sources : Reuters, Bloomberg and Europe security Defence
