China, Russia, melting ice: What does the United States new Arctic strategy say? by Erkin Oncan
(2024-07-31 at 23:05:07 )

China, Russia, melting ice: What does the United States new Arctic strategy say? by Erkin Oncan

The United States approach, described as "Observe and respond," will manifest as increased intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance activities, cooperation with allies, and deterrence efforts.

The United States Arctic Strategy claims that environmental changes and geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region increase security risks. However, just like in other regions where the United States has engaged in geopolitical encirclement, the United States justifies its militarization efforts as being solely in response to "threatening actions by rival powers."

The United States Department of Defense has released a new document titled the 2024 Arctic Strategy.

The document explains how "environmental changes" affect the Arctic region and what this means for "United States security."

United States Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks presented the 28-page document during a briefing at the Pentagon.

Although Hicks based her briefing on the classic American narrative of "defense" for the United States and regional countries, the briefing and the report itself contain significant hints about potential United States actions in the region.

"The United States Arctic region is critical for the defense of our homeland, the protection of United States national sovereignty, and the maintenance of our defense treaties," Hicks began. She noted that melting ice due to climate change is opening new sea routes, which, while presenting "new opportunities" for trade routes, also pose risks "for nations previously protected by the regions inaccessibility."

Emphasis on China and Russia

Hicks also highlighted the increased presence of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in the Arctic and its operations with the Russian Navy.
Describing Chinas position as "concerning," Hicks commented on Russias presence by stating, "It could risk United States and allied territories."

Hicks mentioned that Russia has reopened Soviet-era military facilities in the Arctic, saying, "Russia continues to pose an acute threat to security and stability in the region, increasing its military infrastructure in the Arctic and making excessive claims over Arctic waters."

On the cooperation between China and Russia, which she defined as a "threat," Hicks added:

"We have seen growing cooperation with China significantly financing Russias Arctic energy utilization and joint military exercises off the coast of Alaska. These activities, all made possible by rapidly warming temperatures and thinning ice due to climate change, have increased."

The solutions proposed in the document are "enhancing the capabilities of joint forces, more cooperation with allies and partners, and maintaining the United States presence in the Arctic."

In other words, the United States says, "Continue expanding and increasing military presence."

Hicks approach, described as "Observe and respond," will manifest as increased intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance activities, cooperation with allies, and deterrence efforts.

"Everyone has a role"

Deputy Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience Iris Ferguson stated, "We want to ensure we have the right communication architecture for accurate perception, command, and control."

Ferguson also emphasized, "Using tactics and equipment is a prerequisite for success as well as survival in the unique Arctic environment. Accordingly, one of my offices priorities is to ensure that joint forces are equipped and prepared," stressing that "everyone has a role" against the increasing Russia-China cooperation.

According to United States officials, ensuring "stability" in the Arctic, as defined in American terms, involves increasing military presence in the region, along with joint exercises, war games, and military training to be conducted in the region.

United States military presence in and around the Arctic

Although the United States side emphasizes "defense" in its Arctic strategy, its military strength in and around the Arctic is quite significant. Since the Cold War, the United States has used the countries it calls "allies" as weapons depots and military bases.

Let us recall the known United States military points in the Arctic and surrounding countries:

-In Norway, under the United States Marines Prepositioning Program, heavy weapons and equipment are pre-stored for rapid deployment in "times of crisis."

-The Varanger Base in Norway serves as a significant logistics and training center for United States Marines, while the United States has military material depots in Trondheim. These points are equipped with marine troops, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and air defense systems.

-The Keflavik Base in Iceland is used by NATO missions and the United States Air Force.

-The Thule Air Base in Greenland, which houses a United States ballistic missile early warning system, is also used for space surveillance activities.

-At Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets are on standby, while Fort Greely has ballistic missile defense systems.

-In addition, large-scale military exercises called Northern Edge and Noble Defender are conducted in Alaska, accompanied by the Arctic Challenge Exercise held with NATO allies.

Russias Arctic power

Like the United States, Russia also has a comprehensive military presence in the Arctic region.

Among the military points in the Arctic are the Northern Clover, Russias northernmost military base on Kotelny Island, which includes air defense systems and radar facilities; Nagurskoye, the largest Russian military airbase in the Arctic; the Rogachevo Air Base on Novaya Zemlya; Severomorsk, the main base of the Russian Northern Fleet; and the Murmansk Base, the center of the Northern Fleet. Additionally, the Tiksi Air Base, the newly built Sabetta and Nagurskoye bases on the Yamal Peninsula are among these military points.

Is China not part of the Arctic?

Chinas growing presence in the Arctic region primarily consists of navy and scientific research vessels focused on research.

In addition to these ships exploring sea routes and natural resources, Chinas famous icebreaker ships used to navigate the Arctic glaciers are among the "concerns" of the Atlantic front.

China is expected to expand its influence in the Arctic region on the basis of its developing military cooperation with Russia.

On the other hand, China views the Arctic region as "the common heritage of humanity" and has been active in Arctic policy for a long time, contrary to United States claims that "China is not a stakeholder in the region."

China proposed in 2010 that the sea areas beyond exclusive economic zones (EEZs) be included in the common heritage of humanity. For China, the Arctic region also has economic significance, such as the "Polar Silk Road" route.

But is China, as the United States claims, not part of the Arctic?

Let us list some instructive historical data at this point:

-In 1925, China joined the Spitsbergen Treaty, which recognizes Norways sovereignty over the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and calls for the demilitarization of the archipelago, thus beginning to participate in resolving Arctic issues. Since the 1920s, China has made more efforts to explore the Arctic, expanding the scope of activities.

-In 1996, China became a member of the International Arctic Science Committee.
-Since 1999, it has conducted scientific research in the Arctic with its research vessel Xue Long (Snow Dragon).
-In 2004, China built the Arctic Yellow River Station in Ny Alesund in the Spitsbergen archipelago.
-According to its 2018 White Paper detailing its Arctic Strategy, by the end of 2017, China had conducted eight scientific expeditions in the Arctic Ocean and conducted research for 14 years based on the Yellow River Station.
-China also became the first Asian country to host the Arctic Science Summit Week, a high-level conference on Arctic issues, and became an accredited observer of the Arctic Council in 2013.
-In official documents, China states that it "prioritizes scientific research on Arctic issues, emphasizes the importance of environmental protection and international cooperation," and advocates that the Arctic concerns "the well-being of humanity as a whole" along with the coastal countries.

Is the issue only China and Russia?

Although the United States Arctic Strategy claims that environmental changes and geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region increase security risks, the United States justifies its militarization efforts solely as being in response to "threatening actions by rival powers," similar to other regions where it has engaged in geopolitical encirclement.

However, the United States strategic investments and the expanding military infrastructure with "allied forces" create a much more pronounced military presence in the Arctic region.

The threat mentioned by the United States is the increasing military-economic cooperation of two major powers in the Arctic region and the potential damage this cooperation could cause to United States hegemony. One of the most significant reasons for this threat is the possible new trade routes that may open.

In summary, it can be said that developments specific to the Arctic are occurring in the context of the "great reckoning" that many believe is about to begin.

"This relevant article, its pictures, and its links are here:"

Reprinted here from the "Strategic Culture Foundation" provides a platform for exclusive analysis, research and policy comment on Eurasian and global affairs. We are covering political, economic, social and security issues worldwide. Since 2005 our journal has published thousands of analytical briefs and commentaries with the unique perspective of independent contributors. SCF works to broaden and diversify expert discussion by focusing on hidden aspects of international politics and unconventional thinking. Benefiting from the expanding power of the Internet, we work to spread reliable information, critical thought and progressive ideas.