Kathrine Frich
China is stepping up to work alongside Russia to guard their shared interests
Every item sitting on a store shelf likely spent weeks crossing the open water on a massive cargo ship.
When countries argue over who controls those busy shipping lanes, the flow of everyday goods and fuel can quickly hit a wall.
Two major neighbours are now teaming up to make sure their ships have a clear path across the globe.
Joining forces at sea
China is stepping up to work alongside Russia to guard their shared interests on the water, TASS reported.
The pledge came during an October 12 meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nikolay Patrushev, who serves as an aide to the Russian president and leads Moscow’s Maritime Board.
Behind closed doors, the two officials focused on keeping sea traffic moving smoothly across the Asia-Pacific region. For both nations, open shipping lanes are the lifeblood of international trade.
“China is ready to work together with Russia, enhance coordination between the two countries’ maritime strategies, capitalize on their complementary advantages, protect each other’s legitimate maritime rights and interests, maintain maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region, and ensure normal navigation along key sea routes worldwide,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Wang Yi as saying, according to TASS.
Protecting supply lines
The talks in the Chinese capital went well beyond navy patrols and border security. According to TASS, Wang stressed that countries bordering the ocean deserve respect for their national security and sovereignty.
He also pointed out the need to keep global energy deliveries steady and protect the factory supply chains that move products around the world. When sea routes face disruption, fuel prices and factory output often take an immediate hit.
Looking north, the top diplomat called for deeper conversations between Beijing and Moscow on the Arctic. As melting ice opens new northern shipping shortcuts, both powers want a major say in how those frigid waters are run.
By using the oceans to bring the two neighbours closer together, Wang said via TASS that Beijing and Moscow should “contribute to improving global maritime affairs management, and promote the formation of a maritime community with a common destiny.”
