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Washington — In response to a U.S. caution regarding their expanding collaboration in the Arctic, Russia and China countered on Tuesday that their teamwork in the region, encompassing military and economic domains, was gaining pace due to climate change related opportunities.
Over the years, Russia has escalated its military fortifications in the Arctic, revitalizing numerous bases and airstrips that had been out of use since the Soviet Union collapsed. Meanwhile, China has escalated its investment in polar research and exploration.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks conveyed to the media on Monday that there was a notable increase in commercial cooperation between Russia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the Arctic, with China significantly funding Russian energy ventures in the region.
Hicks pointed out that this cooperation extended to military engagements, highlighting joint exercises conducted by Russia and China near Alaskan waters. She discussed this as the department unveiled its Arctic strategy for 2024.
Hicks stressed that these challenges were becoming more pronounced due to climate change accelerating the rise in temperatures and reduction in ice coverage, which in turn facilitated these activities.
Interestingly, two years ago, Russia and China hinted at a collaborative effort to introduce a “new democratic world order.” They reiterated their commitment in a joint statement, following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, to assess the impact of U.S. and NATO strategies in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the polar ice disappears rapidly, the Arctic, with its hidden reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, plus newly accessible shipping lanes amidst complex territorial claims, has seen heightened activity.
This increased importance of the Arctic is also recognized by Washington and its NATO allies, especially Canada, which boasts over 100,000 miles of Arctic coastline. Canada’s defense ministry has announced ambitions to significantly expand its submarine fleet capability undersea ice with 12 new submarines.
Moscow continues to push its Northern Sea Route as a faster trading passage for ships moving between Europe and Asia, bypassing the longer southern routes.
Responding to the U.S.’s stance, China maintained that its Arctic policies were based on principles of respect, cooperation, mutual benefits, and sustainability, ensuring peace and stability in the region. Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, criticized the U.S. for distorting China’s Arctic agenda and for commenting carelessly on China’s legitimate Arctic actions which adhere to international law.
Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia’s collaboration with China promoted a stable and predictable atmosphere in the Arctic and was not aimed against any nation. He emphasized Russia’s intent to keep the Arctic peaceful and free from discord and tension.
Washington’s Arctic strategy labels the region as strategically significant, pointing to vital defense infrastructure and potential risks such as accidents, miscalculation, and environmental harm that increased human activity might bring. The U.S. military is preparing to manage any potential emergencies, noting that climate change might result in a nearly ice-free Arctic summer by 2030.