US warns that Russia and China are stepping up cooperation in the Arctic to fight for resources

The US Department of Defence has warned of increased Russian-Chinese cooperation in the Arctic as climate change prompts the countries to compete for sea routes and resources in the region.

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"We're seeing an increase in commercial cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic, with China being the main sponsor of Russian energy exploitation in the Arctic," Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks told reporters.

Military cooperation with Russia and China is also growing, with joint exercises off the coast of Alaska following the announcement of the US "Arctic strategy".

"All of these challenges have been exacerbated because the effects of climate change are rapidly rising temperatures and shrinking ice cover, and that's driving all of these activities," she added.

The Arctic Strategy describes the region as "strategically important" to the United States, including "northern approaches to the country" and affecting "US defence infrastructure".

In recent years, Russia has increased its military presence in the Arctic, rebuilding and modernising several bases and airfields abandoned since the end of the Soviet era, while China is pouring money into polar research.

"By 2030, the Arctic may experience its first virtually ice-free summer, and the loss of sea ice will increase the viability of Arctic sea transit routes and access to underwater resources," the Arctic strategy says.

Source: The Defence Post