China, Russia Conduct Joint Patrol in Arctic, Sparking US Concerns

In a move signaling deepening cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, China’s Coast Guard has announced its first-ever entry into the Arctic Ocean, as part of a joint patrol with Russia. The patrol comes amidst growing US concerns about China’s expanding presence in the strategically important region, CNN reports.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) confirmed the joint patrol on Wednesday, describing it as a test of their capabilities in “unfamiliar waters.” Accompanying photos showed a Chinese vessel displaying a banner proclaiming “China Coast Guard devoting its heart to the Party; demonstrating loyalty in the Arctic Ocean.”

While the CCG did not disclose the precise location of the patrol, a statement by the US Coast Guard (USCG) on Monday revealed that they had spotted four vessels, including Chinese and Russian coast guard ships, in the Bering Sea on Saturday. The USCG described this sighting as the “northernmost” location they had observed Chinese vessels.

The US has expressed alarm at the increasing coordination between Russia and China in the Arctic, viewing it as a potential threat to regional stability.

China has long pursued a strategy of expanding its influence in the Arctic, declaring itself a “near Arctic state” and investing heavily in icebreakers, research infrastructure, and Russian energy projects.