In recent years, the Arctic region has frequently found itself at the forefront of global media discussions. Rich in gas, oil, and freshwater resources, its significance on the world stage continues to grow.
The Arctic spans the territories of several nations, including Canada, Russia, the United States (via Alaska), Iceland, Denmark (Greenland), Sweden, Norway, and Finland. However, recent developments highlight the dominant roles of China and Russia in the region. These two powers have ramped up their presence, conducting joint military exercises and engaging in scientific research. Notably, China became an observer in the Arctic Council in 2013 and, a decade later, partnered with Russia to launch the Arctic Trade Corridor. This initiative saw the transit of 80 ships carrying oil, coal, and ore through the region.
The catalyst for this deepened partnership was the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022. With the United States, Canada, and Scandinavian countries halting operations with Russia, the Kremlin sought closer ties with reliable allies, ultimately strengthening its relationship with China. As a result, Moscow assumed the role of Beijing’s “junior partner” in the Arctic, while China gained greater access to the region, including patrols by its Coast Guard.
Trade between the two nations in the Arctic reached 1.3 million tons of cargo in 2024, with projections to hit 2.1 million tons soon. China now boasts several Arctic research bases and four operational icebreakers, while Russia maintains six dual-use bases and over a dozen airfields in the region. Russia’s ambition to dominate Arctic waters mirrors China’s claims over the South China Sea, but achieving this will require significant investment and faces challenges, particularly as NATO nations control the western Arctic waters.
Rebecca Pincus on U.S. Lagging Behind in Arctic Capabilities
The United States ranks third in Arctic influence. Former President Donald Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland highlighted the strategic importance of the region. Greenland is home to the U.S. military space base Pitufik, which, despite its outdated infrastructure, remains critical for missile and nuclear strike warnings. However, as Rebecca Pincus, director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center, pointed out, the U.S. is at a disadvantage in one crucial area: it operates just two heavy icebreakers, far fewer than its geopolitical rivals, Russia and China.
Media outlets have long criticized Washington for neglecting Arctic investments. For instance, War on the Rocks argues that the U.S. may have to rely on NATO to safeguard the Arctic. Similarly, experts from the U.S. Naval War College highlight a lack of search-and-rescue equipment and inadequate systems to detect and monitor Russian submarine activity.
