For the first time ever, China has currently deployed five so-called “icebreaking research vessels” in the Arctic. The deployment marks a breakthrough, as China has never before had more than three icebreakers in the Arctic at the same time.
The five ships are the latest in a long series of signs that the Arctic is playing an increasingly significant role in China’s great power strategy.
Russia has traditionally opposed Chinese presence in the Arctic, which the Russians strategically consider their backyard. However, as Russia’s dependence on China grows due to the war in Ukraine, Russia has allowed China to advance further into the Arctic.
The five Chinese “icebreaking research vessels” currently present in the Arctic are: Xue Long 2, Shen Hai Yi Hao, Ji Di, Zhongshandaxue Ji Di, and Tan Suo San Hao.
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