Chinese and Russian military ships have been spotted by the US Coast Guard off the coast of Alaska.
The US ship on a routine patrol in the Bering Sea spotted the convoy around 138km north of Kiska Island on September 19.
The spotter counted three Chinese naval ships including a guided missile cruiser and four Russian naval vessels including a destroyer.
They appeared to be in single formation suggesting it was a joint operation, reports KBTX.
The Coast Guard boat Kimbal, based in Honolulu, watched as the formation broke up and dispered. The US ship was supported by a C-130 Hercules plane.
Rear Adm. Nathan Moore, Seventeenth Coast Guard District commander said: “While the formation has operated in accordance with international rules and norms, we will meet presence with presence to ensure there are no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska."
The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to questions about the incident from The Associated Press the Coast Guard will continue to monitor the area.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned about Russia and China's military interests in the Arctic.
Russia has opened hundreds of former Soviet-era Arctic military sites, including deep-water ports and airfields.
“Beijing and Moscow have also pledged to intensify practical cooperation in the Arctic. This forms part of a deepening strategic partnership that challenges our values and interests,” Stoltenberg said.
In recent months Chinese vessels have been pushing maritime territories.
In August Taiwan's defence ministry dispatched aircraft and ships, and deployed land-based missile systems as China carried out military drills.
Multiple Chinese vessels and aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line said the Tawainese defence ministry said and described China's military activities as highly provocative.
