A growing Russia-China military alliance in the Arctic region raises significant questions about implications for U.S. national security and NATO.

At a Glance

• Increased military collaboration between Russia and China in the Arctic.
• U.S. and NATO regard the Arctic as a strategic battleground.
• Russia’s Arctic military expansion challenges U.S. interests.
• NATO’s potential role in Arctic defense and burden-sharing discussed.

Military Collaboration Intensifies

Russia and China are increasing their military cooperation in the Arctic. This cooperation includes joint naval exercises, patrolling, and strategic bomber training, as noted in their first-ever joint Arctic maritime patrol in October. This burgeoning partnership has prompted the United States and NATO to closely observe these maneuvers, especially with recent entries by Russian and Chinese bombers into Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone in July 2024. Such activities highlight a strategic pivot by both nations toward the region.

The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the Arctic as a critical strategic area, emphasizing the geopolitical challenges posed by this developing alliance. This indicates the region’s increasing importance, not only for military but economic and strategic interests, as climate change continues to open new commercial and geographic pathways.

NATO’s Emerging Role

NATO is positioned as a crucial partner to address the Arctic’s security challenges. The alliance’s infrastructure and expertise, particularly among Nordic countries, are invaluable. NATO’s involvement in the region ensures burden-sharing and allows the United States to focus on the Indo-Pacific challenges. The organization’s capacity requires updates, with a focus on ice-capable vessels and anti-access/area denial capabilities, which are currently underrepresented within its arsenal.

A specific emphasis is placed on the need for a comprehensive NATO Arctic strategy to counteract Russian influence and secure global security. This includes increased training and cooperation through proposed initiatives like a Nordic-led Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, designed to bolster Arctic defense capabilities.

“We’re seeing Russia continue to have immense focus on the Arctic region, and it’s part of their security calculus, vis-a-vis the U.S. and NATO,” said Iris A. Ferguson, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Arctic and Global Resilience.

Strategic Implications for the U.S.

The collaboration between Russia and China presents a nuanced challenge for the United States, especially concerning long-term strategic interests. With China embarking on the Polar Silk Road initiative despite its non-Arctic status, their involvement raises strategic concerns for U.S. interests. The U.S. aims to counter these developments through enhanced collaboration with NATO allies, focusing on maintaining regional stability.

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Arctic strategy highlights the importance of increasing domain awareness and conducting military exercises as deterrents. They also recognize China’s increasing use of scientific and economic initiatives to assert influence, requiring heightened vigilance to protect American interests in the Arctic.