A China Coast Guard (CCG) fleet formation on Tuesday entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time for a joint patrol with their Russian counterparts.
Tuesday coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The CCG officers sang the Chinese national anthem on the deck and reaffirmed their oaths to the Communist Party of China.
"The arrival of China Coast Guard vessel formation in the Arctic Ocean demonstrates the CCG has the ability to safeguard international maritime security. China actively fulfills its international obligations, participates in global maritime governance, and shows an image of a responsible major country. Meanwhile, it is also showcasing its professional abilities in maritime law enforcement," said He Feng, officer of the CCG.
China and Russia have carried out similar joint patrols in the northern Pacific Ocean since Sept 21.
The CCG's mission in the Arctic Ocean will test its capabilities to carry out operations in unfamiliar waters.
China Coast Guard enters Arctic for first time for joint patrol with Russia
China Coast Guard enters Arctic for first time for joint patrol with Russia
Travel demand has surged between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region during China's ongoing National Day holiday, with tourists flocking to go sightseeing or reunite with family.
China celebrates its National Day on Oct. 1. The holiday runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 7.
According to border inspection authorities in Guangdong Province's Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, the city's ports handled 752,000 inbound and outbound trips on Tuesday, the first day of the holiday, a year-on-year increase of 4.6 percent. The figure included 280,400 inbound trips and 471,600 outbound trips.
At the Shenzhenwan Port, many Chinese mainland holiday makers said they plan to spend some time in Hong Kong with their friends and family visiting top attractions or going hiking and camping.
"We plan to go to the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbor, and the Hong Kong Science Museum. We plan to stay there for two days and one night," said a Guangdong traveler.
"We plan to stay for five days. We plan to hike the 100-kilometer MacLehose Trail. There are six of us and we brought our own camping gear," said another tourist from Guangdong.
Many of those traveling from Hong Kong to the mainland said they planned to visit family or participate in festive and cultural activities.
"I plan to go back to Xinhui (in Guangdong) to visit my relatives and enjoy the local food," said a Hong Kong traveler.
"(We are traveling to Shenzhen) to feel the holiday vibe. We plan to to Garden City (shopping mall) to enjoy the food, and let kids take part in entertainment activities in the mall," said a Hong Kong traveler on a family trip.
Routes linking Chinese mainland to HK busy with travelers during National Day holiday
