German media: How countries like Russia are expanding their influence in the Arctic
US President Trump said that China and Russia want Greenland. Beijing and Moscow firmly denied it. However, both China and Russia value the strategic importance of the Arctic and seek to expand their presence there. What military deployments and goals does Russia have in the Arctic? What activities is China undertaking?
ARD reported this month that Russia launched its Arctic development strategy in 2020, aiming to reestablish Russia's economic and security political role in the Arctic.
In recent years, Russia has modernized and restored operations at over 50 old Soviet-era military bases along the Arctic coast. These include locations near the Franz Josef Islands and Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic. Russia has established radar stations and air defense systems in the Arctic.
Additionally, Russia has deployed strategic bombers at multiple military airports in the Arctic. There are also missile bases. In 2021, the Russian Navy fired a supersonic missile from a frigate into the Arctic Ocean.
ARD reported that in 2021, the Russian Northern Fleet was upgraded to an independent military region, tasked with ensuring the passage routes to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Northern Fleet also possesses nuclear missile submarines.
Second-strike capability
These submarines form the main body of Russia's second-strike capability. That is, when Russia is attacked by nuclear weapons, it can retaliate using these sea-based missiles.
The Northern Fleet and its military outposts aim to protect 24,000 kilometers of Arctic coastline. This is important for Russia because about nine-tenths of its crude oil and six-tenths of its natural gas are extracted in the Arctic region.
Moreover, Russia is also developing plans to extract various rich minerals reportedly located on the seabed of the Arctic.
With the prolonged ice-free period brought about by climate change, the Arctic Ocean as a route is receiving more attention. The "Northern Sea Route" along Russia's northern coast, as an all-year trade route connecting the Far East and Europe, is becoming more attractive.
Russia sees this as a lever for economic and geopolitical influence. The country has the world's largest icebreaker fleet, with over 30 ships, to ensure the smooth operation of this route.
Russia also faces challenges
In the summer of 2025, President Putin emphasized in a speech that Russia plays a leading role in the Arctic.
However, according to ARD's report, Russia also faces many problems: the Northern Sea Route still lacks ports and supply infrastructure. Due to the war in Ukraine, the military lacks enough personnel.
At the same time, it is difficult for Russia to exploit mineral resources. Due to Western sanctions, Russia lacks some necessary technologies.
Beijing's role
China launched the "Polar Silk Road" project in 2018. Beijing's goal is to become a "polar power" before 2030. China has established research stations in Iceland and Norway.
AFP reported that since 2022, China's military presence in the Arctic, although small in scale, has been increasing, mainly through cooperation with Russia.
In 2024, Russian and Chinese bombers conducted joint patrols near the border of North America, not far from Alaska, USA.
China also operates several icebreakers equipped with small submarines, capable of mapping the seabed and having potential military applications.
Beijing also has polar observation satellites and insists they are used for scientific purposes.
Sources: DW, ARD, AFP
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855205411208522/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.