Beijing and Moscow Reject US Claims on Arctic Cooperation Threats

Beijing and Moscow have responded strongly to a recent US report suggesting that their growing cooperation in the Arctic poses a threat to regional stability. The Pentagon's report highlighted Russia's increased military presence in the Arctic, including the modernization of bases and airfields that had been dormant since the Soviet era. It noted that while there are significant disagreements between China and Russia, their alignment in the Arctic is concerning, prompting ongoing monitoring by the US Department of Defense. In defense of their activities, Russian officials argued that their presence in the Arctic is aimed at fostering stability rather than creating tension. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia's strategic interests in the region are responsible and contribute to a peaceful Arctic environment. He asserted that cooperation with China would enhance stability and predictability in the area, countering US claims of discord. Chinese officials echoed this sentiment, accusing the US of misrepresenting China's Arctic policies and undermining its legitimate activities in accordance with international law. They argued that the US's confrontational stance is unwarranted and detrimental to regional cooperation. Amid these tensions, security experts have noted that China's reliance on Indian Ocean shipping routes presents a strategic vulnerability, particularly in the context of potential conflicts over Taiwan. The US has been urged to enhance its technological capabilities in the Arctic, reflecting the region's growing strategic importance as new shipping lanes and resources become accessible due to climate change.