Russia, China launch joint patrols in North Pacific Ocean

In a significant development, Russian and Chinese border guards have executed their inaugural joint patrols in the North Pacific Ocean.

This announcement was made by the Public Relations Center (PRC) of the Russian Federal Security Service, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Between September 20 and October 10, the first coordinated patrolling mission involving coast guard vessels from both nations took place in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. According to the PRC, this joint operation featured the Russian ships “Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky” and “Anadyr,” alongside two patrol vessels from the Chinese Coast Guard.

The fleet traversed the Sea of Japan, entered the region governed by the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fishery Resources in the High Seas of the North Pacific, and proceeded into the Bering Sea, ultimately reaching the Chukchi Sea via the Bering Strait.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) highlighted that the patrol showcased the readiness of both countries’ coast guards to collaborate on identifying and neutralizing security threats in maritime law enforcement. The operation included various training exercises focused on communication, assisting distressed vessels, and lifesaving at sea.

The FSB praised the professionalism and maritime training exhibited by the Russian and Chinese crews, noting the impressive flying skills demonstrated by their deck helicopter teams.

These joint patrols are part of a broader cooperation plan between the Border Guard Service of the FSB of Russia and the Coast Guard of the People's Republic of China for 2024-2026. The CSC emphasized that this partnership will continue to strengthen and develop friendly relations between the two nations while enhancing their security in maritime regions.

By Tamilla Hasanova