The Pentagon has rolled out a fresh strategy for the Arctic, responding to growing ties between China and Russia.
The Arctic Strategy, unveiled on Tuesday, emphasizes bolstering military presence, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering cooperation with allies. It also acknowledges climate change as a key factor, making the region more accessible.
Increasing Military Presence
In light of the strengthening partnership between China and Russia in the Arctic, the U.S. has decided to ramp up its military presence.
Arctic Edge is a U.S. Northern Command biennial defense exercise designed to demonstrate and exercise the ability to rapidly deploy and operate in the Arctic. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Trey Hutcheson / DVIDS)
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks noted that China, a major financier of Russian Arctic energy projects, and Russia have been conducting joint military exercises off the coast of Alaska. This increasing collaboration raises concerns for U.S. national security.
The “2024 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy” points out that much of America’s Arctic infrastructure, built during the Cold War, is now deteriorating due to permafrost thaw and coastal erosion.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to enhance its military capabilities in the region, and China is trying to carve out a role in Arctic governance, despite most Arctic territory being under the control of sovereign states.
Enhancing Technological Capabilities
The strategy calls for strengthening Arctic technological capabilities, including deploying more satellites, improving data collection, and enhancing intelligence sharing with allies. The Pentagon stresses the need for readiness for operations at high latitudes to address these emerging challenges.
The document highlights the growing influence of Beijing, which has included the Arctic in its long-term planning. Although China is not an Arctic nation, it seeks to leverage changing dynamics to gain greater influence, access resources, and play a larger role in regional governance.
