For the first time, China conducts joint patrol with Russia in Arctic Ocean
- In Reports
- 02:03 PM, Oct 04, 2024
- Myind Staff
China’s Coast Guard has announced that it entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time as part of a joint patrol with Russia. This development signifies enhanced cooperation between the two nations in a region where Beijing seeks to expand its influence.
The statement was made shortly after the US Coast Guard reported sighting four vessels from the Russian Border Guard and Chinese Coast Guard in the Bering Sea. This marks the northernmost location where Chinese ships have been observed.
The China Coast Guard stated that the joint patrol “effectively expanded the scope of the coast guard’s ocean-going navigation” and tested their ability to operate in unfamiliar waters. The China Coast Guard did not disclose the exact location of the patrol, but a banner on one of the vessels highlighted the loyalty of the Chinese Coast Guard to the ruling Communist Party.
While the Russian government has not officially confirmed the patrol, Chinese state media reported that it took place “a few days ago.” Russian state media outlet TASS also cited the China Coast Guard’s statement regarding the patrol.
On Monday, the US Coast Guard revealed that it had spotted the four vessels from the Russian Border Guard and Chinese Coast Guard “transiting in formation in a northeast direction” within Russia’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Bering Sea.
The Bering Sea is located between Russia and Alaska and connects to the Arctic Ocean through the Bering Strait, which separates Asia and North America. The US Coast Guard indicated that this activity reflects a growing interest in the Arctic from strategic competitors.
The US has expressed concerns over China’s expanding role and collaboration with Russia in the environmentally sensitive Arctic region, especially as both countries strengthen their security and economic ties. Recently, US and Canadian forces intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers flying together near Alaska for the first time in July. Additionally, their two navies operated together in international waters off the Alaskan coast in 2022 and 2023.
Last year, the China Coast Guard and Russia’s Federal Security Service agreed to enhance their maritime law enforcement cooperation. China was also invited to observe Russia’s “Arctic Patrol-2023” security drills.
Analysts believe the recent patrol is part of a larger trend of cooperation, intended to send a message to Washington, which has maintained maritime activities in the South and East China Seas that have often frustrated Beijing.
A retired US Navy captain noted that the China Coast Guard operating further north than ever before indicates China is extending its presence into areas that the US traditionally considers its domain. He emphasised that China is signalling it can operate within and near other countries' Economic Exclusion Zones.
China has long sought to increase its presence in the Arctic, declaring itself a “near Arctic state” while enhancing its icebreaker and research capabilities in the region. It has also heavily invested in Russian energy projects.
Historically, Russia, one of the eight Arctic states, has been cautious about China’s presence in this vital area. However, analysts suggest that Russia’s increasing reliance on China as its primary diplomatic and economic partner since the war in Ukraine might be changing its approach.
In a recent update to its Arctic strategy, the US Department of Defence warned that “growing cooperation” between Russia and China has the potential to alter the stability and threat dynamics in the Arctic. Recent joint activities, including the July patrol near Alaska, raise concerns about whether Russia’s focus on controlling access to its Arctic territory is being overshadowed by economic and political factors.
A senior researcher in Norway expressed scepticism about Chinese vessels operating in the Arctic Ocean. He noted that operating north of the Bering Strait typically requires ice-breaking capabilities, and the US Coast Guard did not report any ships entering the Bering Strait, which marks the start of the Arctic Ocean. However, he acknowledged that operations off the coast of Alaska or in the broader Bering Sea illustrate China’s growing presence in Arctic and near-Arctic areas.
The China Coast Guard is part of the People’s Armed Police, which operates under the Central Military Commission and has frequently been at the forefront of China’s efforts to assert territorial claims in disputed waters, such as the South China Sea. The Philippines has accused the China Coast Guard of targeting its vessels with aggressive tactics, including a "brutal assault" on Filipino forces in June.
Experts argue that beyond demonstrating strength, China has practical interests in enhancing cooperation with Russia and expanding its presence in northern waters, potentially to safeguard its economic interests.
In its 2018 Arctic policy, China laid out its vision for a “Polar Silk Road,” intending to connect Asia and Europe by developing shipping routes like the Northern Sea Route across the Arctic. This route, currently navigable primarily in summer and autumn, is expected to become increasingly viable for global shipping as climate change melts sea ice.
Data from the Centre for High North Logistics indicates that transit along the Northern Sea Route is on track to reach record levels by the end of the season, with around 95% of the cargo travelling from Russia to China.
The Coast Guard collaboration aligns with Chinese interests in maritime transport along parts of the Northern Sea Route. The initiation of these operations marks another step in the ongoing practical cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic context.
As China continues to assert its capabilities in the Arctic, these joint patrols highlight the ongoing shift in power dynamics in the region.
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