U.S. Military Raises Alarm Over Russia-China Collaboration in Arctic

The U.S. military has unveiled its Arctic strategy, highlighting growing collaboration between Russia and China in the region. With Russia revamping Soviet-era military sites and China eyeing new shipping routes and resources, this alliance could disrupt regional stability. In response, the U.S., Canada, and Finland plan to build icebreaker ships.

The U.S. military has issued a new Arctic strategy, drawing attention to the increasing cooperation between Russia and China in the polar region. This partnership, deemed a potential destabilizing factor, focuses on the reopening of Soviet-era military sites by Russia and China's ambitions for an Arctic 'Polar Silk Road'.

The Pentagon's report outlines how the two countries' collaboration might affect regional stability. Although differences between China and Russia exist, their alignment in the Arctic remains a concern for the U.S. Department of Defense, which is closely monitoring developments.

Global warming is making Arctic sea routes more accessible, facilitating major economies' interconnection across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The report highlights China's interests in Arctic resources and shipping routes, while Russia aims to increase its oil and gas exports to China amid Western sanctions. The U.S. military plans to enhance its intelligence operations and cooperation with allies to counter these moves.

In response to the growing strategic importance of the Arctic, the U.S., Canada, and Finland will form a consortium to build icebreaker ships. This initiative aims to bolster shipbuilding capabilities and send a strong message to Russia and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)