A United States warship has been deployed in the North Pacific Ocean as a naval flotilla of Russian and Chinese vessels approached Alaska's outlying islands during a joint patrol.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Third Fleet confirmed to Newsweek on Wednesday that the destroyer USS Carl M. Levin was underway for "routine operations," adding that the Navy frequently operates in the North Pacific Ocean to "support maritime homeland defense."

Newsweek has emailed both the Russian and Chinese foreign ministries for comment.

Why It Matters

Russia and China have formed a quasi-alliance under their so-called " partnership without limitations ," as they seek to challenge the U.S. by deepening cooperation and coordination in all issues, including military and security.

Moscow and Beijin

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