China and Russia demonstrated their growing partnership and interest in Arctic shipping routes with their first joint coastguard exercise and patrol earlier this month.
Two vessels from the China Coast Guard, the Meishan and Xiushan, participated in the drill at the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) from September 16 to 20, the South China Morning Post reported.
On September 21, Chinese and Russian vessels began a joint patrol in the North Pacific, nearing the Arctic, according to the China Coast Guard. Footage posted online showed the proximity to the Arctic. Earlier in the month, Chinese and Russian forces conducted drills in the same region. State media emphasized that these activities were not directed at third parties or linked to any international or regional conflicts.
Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University, said the joint coastguard patrol marks a new level of political trust between China and Russia. Military commentator Song Zhongping highlighted that the patrol’s proximity to Arctic shipping routes reflects China’s interest in collaborating with Russia on the “Polar Silk Road” initiative, launched in 2018 to explore Arctic resource and shipping opportunities.
Melting ice could eventually create a permanent sea route, cutting shipping time between Europe and Asia, making the Arctic a key strategic focus for China, Russia, and the U.S, the South China Morning Post highlihted.
Arctic shipping is increasing. Between 2013-2023, the number of unique ships entering the Arctic Polar Code area increased by 37%, according to the Arctic Council’s Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group (PAME).
”As more vessels are navigating Arctic waters, and over longer distances, there is a need to ensure safe, secure and sustainable Arctic shipping.” the Artcic Council highlights.
In 2009, the IMO introduced recommendatory “Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters.” However, after several high-profile incidents, the need for mandatory regulations became evident, leading to the development of the Polar Code. This code applies to vessels of 500 gross tonnage and above, covering new ships from January 2017 and existing ones from January 2018. Arctic states played a key role in supporting its creation.
