Overview

• The U.S. Coast Guard observed two Russian and two Chinese vessels sailing in formation through the Bering Sea, five miles inside the Russian exclusive economic zone.
• This joint patrol marks the first Arctic cooperation between the Chinese and Russian coast guards, coinciding with China's National Day and the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
• Chinese state media released photos and footage of the patrol, emphasizing the expanded operational scope and coordinated law enforcement capabilities of China’s coast guard.
• The patrol followed a joint drill aimed at checking fishing boats and maintaining order in the North Pacific Ocean, demonstrating high efficiency in search and rescue operations.
• The growing military cooperation between China and Russia raises concerns in Washington, particularly given Beijing's support for Moscow's actions in Ukraine.