China’s Arctic strategy strengthens Russia’s position

China’s increasing investment and presence in the Arctic are helping entrench the Russian military in the region, the American Security Project wrote yesterday. Chinese shipping company NewNew Shipping plans to move 1 million tons of cargo through Arctic waters next year and make substantial investments in the Russian ports of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, which will increase the capabilities of Russia’s Northern Fleet, including its nuclear-armed submarines. Russia already maintains the Arctic’s largest military presence and most extensive infrastructure, and Chinese investment will further strengthen its position in this increasingly strategic region.