Russia and China will train specialists for navigation in polar waters: Russian Ministry of Transport

The 30th regular meeting of the Chinese and Russian heads of government is held in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, November 3, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Russia and China will train specialists for navigation in polar waters, according to a memorandum signed in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to China, the Russian Ministry of Transport said on its Telegram channel.

Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin is visiting China from November 3 to 4 for the 30th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian heads of government, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The document reflects the shared commitment of Russia and China to developing partnership in commercial shipping and to strengthening human resources for the operation of vessels along the Northern Sea Route. Its development is actively progressing under Russia's national project Efficient Transport System, the Russian Ministry of Transport said in the post.

According to Russian Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin, the memorandum is aimed at creating conditions to enhance the safety of navigation in Arctic waters, protect the lives of seafarers, and preserve the marine environment in the ice-covered regions of the world's oceans, according to the ministry's post.

According to the ministry, highly qualified specialists from China will be trained in accordance with international standards at leading Russian maritime institutions - the Maritime State University and the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping.

In addition to theoretical instruction, Chinese seafarers will undergo hands-on training using specialized simulators at Russian educational institutions, ensuring a high level of preparedness for work in the challenging conditions of polar waters.

Earlier, in an interview with the Russia 1 TV channel, the head of the Russian transport ministry described the first transit voyage from China to Europe via the Northern Sea Route as a "major achievement."

At a regular press briefing of China's Foreign Ministry in September, a reporter asked for comment on the role of the Northern Sea Route for China, and about how China and Russia will cooperate in this area. In response, Lin Jian, the ministry spokesperson, said that as an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs, China always follows the basic principles of respect, cooperation, mutual benefit and sustainability in engaging in Arctic affairs and enhancing cooperation with various parties, and is committed to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development of the Arctic.

The spokesperson further stated that China stands ready to work with Russia and other Arctic states as well as interested countries to jointly advance the development and exploration of the routes and protect the environment there.