Chinese and Russian Coast Guards conduct first-ever joint patrols in Arctic Ocean.

According to information published by Global Times on October 2, 2024, a formation of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels made their inaugural entry into the Arctic Ocean for joint patrols with their Russian counterparts.
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Chinese Coast Guard vessel Haijing. (Picture source: Chinese government)

This marked the first time CCG vessels had ventured into the region. This Arctic patrol tested the vessels' readiness to conduct missions in new environments. The patrols also enhanced cooperation between the Chinese and Russian coast guards. Prior to the Arctic patrols, Chinese and Russian coast guard vessels had launched joint operations in the North Pacific, starting on September 21.

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China’s naval and geopolitical interests in the Arctic are driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and scientific objectives. Although China is not an Arctic state, it has declared itself a "near-Arctic" nation and aims to play a significant role in the region. This ambition is articulated through its "Polar Silk Road" strategy, which promotes the use of Arctic shipping routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route (NSR), as a faster and safer alternative for transporting goods, including energy supplies, between Asia and Europe. These Arctic passages are becoming more viable as climate change reduces sea ice, shortening transit times significantly compared to traditional routes like the Suez Canal.

China’s Arctic strategy emphasizes scientific research, commercial interests, and navigational rights. Beijing operates multiple icebreakers, and its investments in polar ship technology and Arctic infrastructure, including partnerships with Russia, reflect its long-term commitment to the region. The country has also been involved in shipping along the NSR, reducing transport times and costs for energy imports from Russia.

Militarily, China maintains a cautious approach in the Arctic, seeking to balance its growing presence with a focus on international law and peaceful development. However, concerns about dual-use technologies—such as synthetic aperture radar for sea ice monitoring, which can also support naval operations—indicate that Beijing's Arctic ambitions have military implications. This is particularly significant as China seeks to enhance its understanding of Arctic conditions, which could support submarine operations in the region.

China's Arctic interests are multifaceted, blending scientific exploration with economic and strategic objectives, while carefully navigating the legal complexities of the region. Its growing partnership with Russia, particularly in polar operations and Arctic governance, further solidifies its stake in the future of the Arctic.