China and Russia’s growing military collaboration in the Arctic raises alarms for U.S. and NATO security, as the frigid region becomes a new frontier for geopolitical competition.
At a Glance
- Russia and China are conducting joint military exercises in the Arctic, including naval maneuvers and bomber flights
- The U.S. Department of Defense’s 2024 Arctic Strategy identifies this collaboration as a major security concern
- NATO is seen as a crucial partner for Arctic burden-sharing, allowing the U.S. to focus on the Indo-Pacific
- Climate change is accelerating regional changes, increasing access and potential for competitive activities
- The U.S. aims to protect its interests by understanding and countering China’s long-term intentions in the region
Escalating Military Collaboration
The Arctic, once a relatively peaceful region, is rapidly becoming a hotbed of military activity and strategic competition. Russia and China have significantly ramped up their joint military exercises in the area, conducting naval maneuvers, coast guard patrols, and even strategic bomber flights. This heightened collaboration has not gone unnoticed by the United States and its NATO allies, who view these developments with growing concern.
What, exactly, are these guys planning?
In July 2024, a particularly alarming incident occurred when Russian and Chinese bombers entered Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone, prompting interception by U.S. and Canadian fighters. This bold move underscores the increasing assertiveness of both nations in a region traditionally dominated by Western powers.
U.S. Strategic Response
The United States has not been idle in the face of these challenges. The Department of Defense’s 2024 Arctic Strategy explicitly acknowledges the Arctic as a strategic battleground, largely due to the Russian-Chinese collaboration. This strategy emphasizes the need for maintaining regional stability and security while enhancing domain awareness and engaging with allies and partners.
“We’re seeing Russia continue to have immense focus on the Arctic region, and it’s part of their security calculus, vis-a-vis the U.S. and NATO,” Iris A. Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience, said.
The U.S. is not only monitoring military activities but also recognizing China’s use of scientific, research, and economic initiatives to gain influence in the Arctic.
Meanwhile, NATO is increasingly seen as a critical partner in addressing the Arctic security dilemma. The alliance’s existing infrastructure and expertise in Arctic warfare, particularly among Nordic countries, make it an ideal candidate for burden-sharing in the region. This collaboration could potentially free up U.S. resources to focus on the Indo-Pacific, where China’s influence is also growing rapidly.
“The deliberate education and development of Arctic-minded leaders alongside collaboration with allies and partners to foster enhanced cold weather war-fighting capabilities across the spectrum,” NATO said in November.
However, NATO faces significant capability gaps in the Arctic. The alliance needs more ice-capable vessels and improved anti-access/area denial capabilities to effectively counter the Russian-Chinese presence. To address these shortcomings, there are proposals for increased Arctic-specific training and the creation of a Nordic-led Combined Joint Expeditionary Force within NATO.
Climate Change: A Complicating Factor
The strategic landscape of the Arctic is being further transformed by the climate change debate. As the region, some say, warms at an alarming rate, new maritime routes are opening up, and previously inaccessible resources are becoming available. This environmental shift is accelerating the potential for competitive activities and increasing the stakes for all nations involved.
“Climate change is still a factor in the region, where the region warms at some four times the rate of the rest of the world,” Ferguson said about the matter.
But as the Arctic becomes an increasingly contested space, the United States and its allies must remain vigilant and proactive. The collaboration between Russia and China presents a formidable challenge, one that requires a coordinated response from Western powers.
If they’re working together, that’s one thing – but working together in the Arctic? That’s real scary.
