China and Russia launch first sea ice survey aboard Xuelong 2 as Arctic tensions swell

China and Russia have conducted their first joint on-site sea ice survey in the Arctic Ocean aboard the Xuelong 2 research icebreaker, as tensions continue to rise over economic opportunities in the rapidly warming northern region. Two researchers from Russia’s Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute boarded Xuelong 2 as part of China’s 16th Arctic Ocean Expedition, according to a report by state broadcaster CCTV on Saturday. According to Lin Long, captain of the Xuelong 2 sea ice team, this...