Imagine this: two Chinese coast guard ships set sail from Zhoushan, a city in China's eastern province of Zhejiang, on a 35-day mission with their Russian counterparts. They traveled over 17, 000 nautical miles, exploring the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and even the Arctic Ocean. This wasn't just a casual cruise; it was a patrol mission to enforce fisheries laws.

In July, China had already sent ships on a similar 45-day mission, covering even more ground. During this latest adventure, the joint fleet encountered floating sea ice, showing just how far north they went. The U. S. Coast Guard even spotted them in the Bering Sea near Alaska, marking the northernmost encounter with Chinese vessels.

China considers itself a "near-Arctic state, " despite being over 900 miles from the Arctic Circle. In August, they had three icebreakers operating in the Arctic Ocean simultaneously. The latest mission, called "Pacific Patrol-2024, " started with joint exercises in Peter the Great Gulf in Russia. Afterward, the Chinese and Russian coast guards patrolled international waters in the Northern Pacific Ocean together.

The mission's purpose? To maintain order in the region's fisheries. The Chinese coast guard used Type 818 vessels, which are based on navy frigate designs and carry a 76 mm naval gun. They claim the mission was routine and complied with international law.

But why are they doing this? It's part of China's expansion into the Northern Pacific Ocean. They're showing their presence and capabilities, which might raise some eyebrows in the international community. It's like they're saying, "We're here, and we're not going anywhere. "

China and Russia's Arctic Adventure

Actions