US Reveals Expansive Arctic Strategy to Counter Russian-Chinese Influence

The US has unveiled the 2024 Arctic Strategy aimed at bolstering surveillance and intelligence, while increasing cooperation with allies to counter Russian and Chinese moves in the region. Pentagon officials stress the urgency due to climate change, melting ice, and potential threats from adversaries.

The US has introduced its 2024 Arctic Strategy, calling for enhanced surveillance, intelligence capabilities, and greater cooperation with allies to counter Russian and Chinese exploitation in the Arctic. This initiative, reported by Voice of America (VOA), underscores concerns about melting ice due to climate change, making the region more accessible to adversaries.

Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks emphasized the critical nature of readiness in the Arctic, stating, "In the Arctic, the strategic can quickly become tactical." She highlighted the necessity for troops to have specialized training, gear, and procedures tailored for the Arctic environment to ensure mission success.

The strategy advocates expanding existing military surveillance and intelligence capabilities to the Arctic, despite the operational challenges posed by extreme cold. It also calls for more ground-based and space-based sensors, as well as long-range radar, to better detect activities by adversaries. The US has invested millions in these technologies, but further investment is deemed essential.

The inclusion of Sweden and Finland into NATO is seen as advantageous, with plans for joint exercises and cooperation to counter Russian and Chinese activities. The Pentagon noted increased Russian infrastructure investments in the Arctic and growing Chinese presence, labeled as research but suspected of having military dimensions.

Increased coordination between Russia and China, such as their joint naval patrol near Alaska, has prompted US precautionary measures. Despite some downplay of the threat's immediacy, Pentagon officials anticipate deeper Russo-Chinese military collaboration, citing China's vested interests in the region and its ambitions to influence Arctic governance.

The Pentagon articulates a long-term challenge from China, with concerns over its ability to alter the established order. The Russian and Chinese embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)