China and Russia Arctic Joint Patrol: China’s Coast Guard has claimed to have entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time. The Chinese coast guard is part of a joint patrol with Russia. This incident is a sign of increased cooperation between the two countries, especially in the region where Beijing wants to increase its presence.
Earlier, the US Coast Guard had reported that it had spotted four Russian border guard and Chinese coast guard vessels in the Bering Sea.
China’s reality check for America
China said that this joint patrol enhances the maritime navigation capability of the coast guards of both countries and tests their ability to carry out missions in uncharted waters. However, the exact location of the patrol was not disclosed. Officials say that the purpose of this patrol is to send a message to America that the Chinese Coast Guard can also operate in those areas which America has considered as its traditional boundaries. Experts believe that this activity of China is another step towards increasing its presence in the Arctic region.
Dragon’s Eye and future prospects on the Arctic Ocean
China’s coast guard has worked hard for years to enforce its maritime claims. In particular, China’s “Polar Silk Road” vision takes into account the development of the Northern Sea Route, which would connect Asia to Europe. Analysts believe that the increasing cooperation between Russia and China could be a threat to stability and security in the Arctic region. The US has recently expressed concern about increasing cooperation in this region, which includes strengthening economic and strategic relations between the two countries.
As a result of this cooperation between China and Russia, the development of sea routes and commercial possibilities in the Arctic Ocean may increase. Some experts believe that this patrol is an important step in this direction, which will further strengthen China’s presence in the Arctic.
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