CHINA-RUSSIA
(MNI) London - Chinese and Russian defence ministries have both confirmed that joint patrols took place between the nations' air forces in the Chukchi and Bering Seas close to the Alaskan coast. The Chinese Defence Ministry says that 'The patrols deepened strategic mutual trust and coodination between the two militaries', and claimed that they 'did not target any third parties' and 'have nothing to do with the current international situation'.
- NORAD command confirmed that none of the Chinese or Russian aircraft entered US or Canadian airspace, with a statement saying 'This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska ADIZ [air defence identification zone] is not seen as a threat'.
- The air patrols come just days after a Pentagon report warned of increased Russian and Chinese cooperation in the Artcic. Reuters: "Russia has reopened hundreds of Soviet-era military sites in the Arctic, the report said. China, which describes itself as a "near-Arctic" state, also has ambitions there and has said it intended to build a "Polar Silk Road." China has its eye on mineral resources..."
- The growing amount of open seas through longer periods of the year in the Arctic has seen global interest in the prospect of increased shipping through the region spike. Reuters: "China and Russia have been working together to develop Arctic shipping routes as Russia seeks to deliver more oil and gas to China amid Western sanctions, while China seeks an alternative shipping route to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Malacca."
Map of Bering and Chukchi Seas
Source: High North News
268 words