Kina och Ryssland fördjupar samarbetet i Arktis, vilket väcker USA:s intresse | NTD NYHETER

China and Russia deepen Arctic cooperation. The two countries are expanding their partnership with a new joint scientific expedition. It's drawing increased attention in Washington as both countries expand activity in the strategically important region. The roughly two-month expedition began last week with Chinese and Russian scientists setting out on a joint research mission. The team will conduct research across the Northwest Pacific and Arctic Ocean, studying marine and environmental changes in the region. The expedition is being jointly organized by scientific institutions from both countries. But the mission comes as Washington is watching China's growing Arctic presence more closely. U.S. officials have raised concerns about some Chinese scientific activity could have applications beyond research, including navigation, mapping, and other maritime operations. Earlier this year, U.S. Senators introduced a bill that would require some foreign government research vessels to get authorization before conducting research near America's waters. As Arctic ice continues to melt, the region is becoming more accessible and increasingly important to both countries and the U.S.