China, Russia conduct first joint Arctic sea ice survey aboard Xuelong 2

China and Russia have conducted their first joint on-site sea ice survey in the Arctic Ocean aboard the Xuelong 2 research icebreaker, part of China's 16th Arctic Ocean Expedition. This collaboration signals deepening Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic, where economic opportunities are expanding due to rapid warming. The move is likely to heighten geopolitical tensions with Arctic states, particularly the US and Canada, over resource access and strategic influence.