Chinese navy commander talks cooperation in visit to Russian Arctic

The two navies have drilled together in the Baltic and Mediterranean seas in recent years.

 

China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning takes part in a military drill of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy in the western Pacific Ocean, April 18, 2018. The Liaoning is similar to Russia’s aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. (Reuters / stringer)

Last year, China and Russia held a joint naval exercise in the Baltic Sea. Now, during a visit by a top Chinese admiral to Severomorsk, the main base of Russia’s Northern Fleet, the two nations have discussed possible forms of between that fleet and China’s navy.

China has the world’s third largest navy, while Russia is the second largest after the United States. Since 2012, China and Russia have teamed up on several naval exercises. While the Chinese navy earlier has focused its area of influence near its own backyard, Beijing sailed warships to exercise with Russia in the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 2015 and in the Baltic Sea in 2017.

A possible future Barents Sea and Arctic exercise is not explicitly mentioned in the press release following Monday’s meeting in Severomorsk between Vice-Admiral Shen Jinlong of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and Vice-Admiral Nikolay Yevmenov of Russia’s Northern Fleet.

“The parties discussed a set of issues related to the response to existing threats in the World Oceans, possible practical forms of cooperation in the interest of strengthening maritime security,” the Northern Fleet’s press release after the meeting reads. The meeting is called a “working visit”.

China is currently developing its navy to be capable of worldwide operations. Among other warships, four aircraft carriers are scheduled to be completed by 2025. Today, the only aircraft carrier in operation is the Liaoning, a vessel originally laid down in 1985 for the Soviet navy. With the breakup of the Soviet Union, though, construction was halted and Ukraine announced it for sale. In 1998, the Chinese navy bought it and completed it in 2012 as a training vessel.

The Northern Fleet has Russia’s only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov which is of the same class as Liaoning.

Admiral Kuznetsov is currently moored for extensive long-term repair at naval yard No. 35 Sevmorput in Murmansk. The work will last at least until 2022. Meanwhile, Russia’s naval fighter jet pilots have no real aircraft carrier at sea to practice takeoffs and landings.

One solution for the Northern Fleet’s pilots could be to team up with China for training on Liaoning, some military experts have been speculating in Russian media.

Whether joint training on China’s aircraft carrier was on the table for discussion in Severomorsk during the visit by Shen Jinlong’s is not known. The commander of the People’s Liberation Army Navy was after the meeting invited on board the Northern Fleet’s nuclear-powered multi-purpose Oscar-II class submarine Voronezh.

Finland continues to help Sweden fight forest fires

Sir David Attenborough receives honorary prize in Sweden presented by the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson

IMG_4220.JPGSir David Attenborough together with the founders of The Perfect World Foundation, Ragnhild Jacobsson & Lars Jacobsson.

Sir David Attenborough is possibly the world’s most famous presenter of nature documentaries. On September 6th. The Perfect World Foundation will be hosting a gala in Gothenburg, in support of earth’s nature and wildlife. Sir Attenborough, the evening’s guest of honour, will be awarded the foundation’s honorary prize presented by the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson.

Sir David Attenborough has become internationally renowned for his characteristic storytelling in nature documentaries such as, among many, Planet Earth and Life on Earth. On September 6th the 92-year-old Sir Attenborough will be visiting Gothenburg to receive The Perfect World Prize during the foundation’s yearly gala in support of nature and wildlife.

“Through his work, Sir David Attenborough has given wildlife a voice and raised interest for nature and wildlife world over. It is a great honour to have him as our guest,” says Ragnhild Jacobsson, CEO and founder of The Perfect World Foundation.

The non-profit organization The Perfect World Foundation annually organizes a support gala in Gothenburg, to address concerning nature and wildlife issues. This year’s focus is on polar bears, climate change and the ever faster melting Antarctic ice. Each year The Perfect World Prize is awarded a person who has made a significant contribution to the conservation of nature and wildlife. Sir David Attenborough will become the fifth honouree to be awarded the prize; previous recipients include Dr Sylvia EarleDr Jane Goodall, Dr Richard Leakey and Mark Shand.

Celebrities gather to pay tribute to David Attenborough

The British Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson entered the limelight in 1986 when she married Prince Andrew. Today she is one of The Perfect World Foundation ambassadors and will be presenting Sir Attenborough with the foundation’s honorary award. Also, Shannon Elizabeth, who performed with a role in American Pie (1999), Nobel Peace Prize winner (2007) Rajendra Pachauri and The Game of Thrones-star James Cosmo will go on the red carpet to the support gala at Elite Park Avenue Hotel in Gothenburg.

“Many want to join the celebration of Sir David Attenborough. We’ve already received several offers from well-known artists who want to perform, free of charge, during the gala evening,” announces Ragnhild Jacobsson.

Sir David Attenborough’s visit to Sweden on September 6th will not solely involve festivities. The Perfect World Foundation is also organizing and hosting a climate conference, at which Sir Attenborough will lecture around lunchtime the same day. The funds raised from the climate conference and the gala evening will aid The Perfect World Foundation in their pursuit to preserve the earth’s nature and wildlife. Both the gala and the climate conference will be held at the conference centre Gothia Towers in Gothenburg on September 6th.

“We want to raise awareness around the seriousness of the climate change. Our oceans are filled with plastic waste, coral reefs are dying and soon several of our great mammals are extinct. Through the conference and gala we want to inspire, people and companies, and encourage involvement in the climate issues,” concludes Ragnhild Jacobsson.

Short about the gala

The Perfect World Foundation has since 2014 organized three support galas in Gothenburg, which have all raised significant funds for animal and nature projects worldwide. Dr Sylvia Earle, Dr Jane Goodall, Dr Richard Leakey and Mark Shand are previous recipients of the foundation’s honorary award. The prize is each year awarded a person who has made a significant contribution to the conservation of nature and wildlife.

Prince Charles receiving The Perfect World Prize 2014, on behalf Mark Shands.

 

Jane Goodall The Perfect World Prize recipient in 2015.

 

Last years award recipient Dr Sylvia Earle, accompanied by the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson (left) and the swedish artist Martin Stenmarck (right).

 

The Perfect World Prize, a crystal rhinoceros statuette made by Orrefors.

 

Press Contacts

Daniel Wilke PR & Communication Manager +46736329827 daniel@theperfectworld.com

Ragnhild “Rags” Jacobsson CEO & Co-Founder +46768669940 rags@theperfectworld.com

 

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Contact persons

Daniel Wilke

Daniel Wilke

PR & Communication Manager
+46736329827
daniel@theperfectworld.com
Ragnhild “Rags” Jacobsson

Ragnhild “Rags” Jacobsson

CEO & Co-Founder
+46768669940
rags@theperfectworld.com
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Attachments

Images

IMG_4220.JPG
 01.08.2018  jpg  DownloadSir David Attenborough together with the founders of The Perfect World Foundation, Ragnhild Jacobsson & Lars Jacobsson.
charles.png
 01.08.2018  png  DownloadPrince Charles receiving The Perfect World Prize 2014, on behalf Mark Shands.
jane.png
 01.08.2018  png  DownloadJane Goodall The Perfect World Prize recipient in 2015.
sylvia.png
 01.08.2018  png  DownloadLast years award recipient Dr Sylvia Earle, accompanied by the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson (left) and the swedish artist Martin Stenmarck (right).
Skärmavbild 2018-07-26 kl. 13.06.55.png
 01.08.2018  png  DownloadThe Perfect World Prize, a crystal rhinoceros statuette.