MOSCOW, October 12. /TASS/. Western countries are drawing up plans to blockade the Baltic Sea and the straits leading into it, while other key shipping routes are also under threat, Russian Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Russian Maritime Board Nikolay Patrushev said during a visit to China.

The Russian leader’s aide noted that maritime logistics are of great importance to both Moscow and Beijing, adding that China is a recognized global leader in international commercial shipping.

"Western countries are trying to organize the interception of our vessels. London and Brussels are drawing up plans to blockade the Baltic Sea and the straits leading into it. Other key shipping routes are also under threat," Patrushev stressed.

The chairman of the Russian Maritime Board also noted that the Strait of Malacca is vital to China, but shipping there can be easily disrupted. This can be done not only by naval forces but also through terrorist methods employed by the West. "Recognizing all these risks, Russia is developing a safe and economically viable alternative to traditional routes – the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor," he concluded.