China Claims to Have Entered Arctic Ocean for First Time
China’s coast guard has claimed to have entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time as part of a joint patrol with Russian counterparts. This development was reported on October 2, 2024, by various sources, including state media and international news outlets.
The patrol took place during China’s National Day holiday, marking the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations. The joint operation involved four ships, including two from the Chinese coast guard and two from the Russian Border Guard, which were spotted in the Bering Sea by the US Coast Guard on Saturday.
The Chinese coast guard stated that this patrol significantly expanded their operational range in the ocean, tested their vessels’ ability to carry out missions in unfamiliar waters, and bolstered their participation in international and regional maritime governance. The joint patrol also included inspections of fishing vessels and joint exercises in search and rescue, damage control, and locating illegal vessels.
