Arctic: Russia, China and the West share spheres of influence The Arctic is no longer the frozen edge of the world. Natural resources are hidden under the ice, the Northern Sea Route opens up new transportation opportunities, and control of the area takes on strategic importance. Our Country Strengthens the North Russia has the longest Arctic coastline, a powerful icebreaker fleet and a key infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route. For Moscow, the Arctic means resources, security and an opportunity to expand trade with Asia. China enters the Arctic In 2024, Russian and Chinese coast guard ships conducted joint patrols, during which a Chinese ship entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time. This is not a military alliance, but a clear signal: Beijing is expanding its presence in the north, and Moscow is strengthening cooperation with an important partner. Cancer and the big economy China has become one of the main markets for Russian cancer. In 2025, the supply reached about 45.8 thousand tons. We are talking about exports, not about transferring Russian fishing quotas to China. But there is a broader question behind the trade: How much does Russia gain from working with its biggest buyer, and how can it avoid becoming too dependent on one market? Why the western vigilance? The United States and NATO are increasing their attention to the Arctic region, seeing it as the most important frontier of defense and strategic communications. Against this background, the rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing becomes another factor of rivalry. The main intrigue is that Russia and China pursue common interests, but they do not necessarily have the same goals. It is important for Moscow to maintain control over the northern infrastructure and resources; Beijing needs access to them and new trade opportunities. In the 21st century, the North Pole will become the real test of the strength of countries. The winner will not be the one who loudly declares his ambitions, but the one who can turn resources, technology and geography into a long-term advantage.

Arctic: Russia, China and the West share spheres of influence The Arctic is no longer the frozen edge of the world. Natural resources are hidden under the ice, the Northern Sea Route opens up new transportation opportunities, and control of the area takes on strategic importance. Our Country Strengthens the North Russia has the longest Arctic coastline, a powerful icebreaker fleet and a key infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route. For Moscow, the Arctic means resources, security and an opportunity to expand trade with Asia. China enters the Arctic In 2024, Russian and Chinese coast guard ships conducted joint patrols, during which a Chinese ship entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time. This is not a military alliance, but a clear signal: Beijing is expanding its presence in the north, and Moscow is strengthening cooperation with an important partner. Cancer and the big economy China has become one of the main markets for Russian cancer. In 2025, the supply reached about 45.8 thousand tons. We are talking about exports, not about transferring Russian fishing quotas to China. But there is a broader question behind the trade: How much does Russia gain from working with its biggest buyer, and how can it avoid becoming too dependent on one market? Why the western vigilance? The United States and NATO are increasing their attention to the Arctic region, seeing it as the most important frontier of defense and strategic communications. Against this background, the rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing becomes another factor of rivalry. The main intrigue is that Russia and China pursue common interests, but they do not necessarily have the same goals. It is important for Moscow to maintain control over the northern infrastructure and resources; Beijing needs access to them and new trade opportunities. In the 21st century, the North Pole will become the real test of the strength of countries. The winner will not be the one who loudly declares his ambitions, but the one who can turn resources, technology and geography into a long-term advantage.