The United States is seriously alarmed by the growing cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic, which according to the US ambassador for the Arctic Michael Sfraga shows "alarming signals". Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing includes military interaction and supplies of dual-use goods from China, despite Western sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, reports Reuters, quoted by News.bg.
Sfraga emphasizes that the "frequency and complexity" recent joint operations between the two countries, such as the joint flight of Russian and Chinese bombers off the coast of Alaska in July and the passage of their ships through the Bering Strait in October, have forced the US to increase its attention to the region.
"These actions heighten our vigilance both literally and figuratively," Sfraga stated. "It is necessary to consider security strategies, strengthen alliances and mutual defense." He added that Alaska and the North American Arctic represent NATO's western flank and should be considered as part of the Alliance's defense strategy.
China, which calls itself a "almost arctic state", seeks to develop the so-called "Polar Silk Road" – a new trade route, relying on melting polar ice to facilitate access. The Arctic is rich in natural resources that would become more available with global warming.
The US and its allies are concerned that Russia and China could use these trade and supply routes, as China seeks to reduce its dependence on the Straits of Malacca and gain access to Arctic resources and energy.