China, Russia deepen maritime and Arctic logistics ties to secure energy supply

Beijing and Moscow vowed deeper maritime and logistical cooperation to protect shipping lanes and energy supplies, as China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Nikolai Patrushev, chairman of the Russian Maritime Board in the Chinese capital on Monday.

“China stands ready to work with Russia to align maritime strategies and leverage their complementary strengths to protect each other’s legitimate maritime interests,” Wang said, according to a foreign ministry statement released late on Monday.

The two sides should “safeguard maritime security in the Asia-Pacific and ensure the passage of key global corridors”, he added, noting the need to maintain stable energy and resources supplies.

Patrushev, who is a presidential aide to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, agreed with Wang and also emphasised shipping safety during the meeting, according to a statement released by the maritime board on the same day.