US, China, and Russia vie for Arctic territory
Democrats and Republicans Unite in Concern Over China and Russia’s Arctic Ambitions
Washington is witnessing an unlikely alliance between Democrats and Republicans as they express shared worries about China and Russia’s aggressive moves to dominate the Arctic region. Thousands of miles away from the U.S.-Canada border, off the coast of Alaska, Chinese and Russian entities are quietly expanding their maritime fleets in this often overlooked and neglected area.
Recognizing the Importance of the Arctic
Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, emphasized the growing significance of the Arctic in terms of homeland security. In a recent hearing, he stated, “With climate change, Arctic waters are increasingly open to maritime activity like shipping, energy exploration, fishing, and tourism. Adversaries like Russia and China are trying to gain strategic advantage, and the U.S. must be ready to assert and protect its interests in the region.”
The U.S. Coast Guard, a branch of the military under the Department of Homeland Security, has been at the forefront of maintaining a U.S. presence in the Arctic. However, lawmakers are concerned about the nation’s ability to keep up with the rapid pace of China and Russia in exploiting this untapped area.
A Flashpoint of Geopolitical Competition
House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) highlighted the Arctic’s abundant natural resources, vital shipping routes, fishing waters, and potential for future development, making it a focal point of geopolitical competition between the United States and its near-peer rivals. He also expressed concern about China’s attempts to assert its influence in Arctic affairs despite having no territorial claim in the region.
While China is not geographically close to the Arctic, it has labeled itself a “near Arctic state” as a means of exerting diplomatic pressure and increasing maritime presence in Arctic waters. In contrast, Russia’s mainland is a mere 60 miles away from Alaska.
Strengthening U.S. Presence in the Arctic
Last year, the Biden administration released the National Strategy for the Arctic Region, which outlined the need to enhance security, address climate change, protect the environment, and collaborate with indigenous communities and international allies. Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, emphasized that the United States, through Alaska, is one of the eight Arctic countries.
Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the Coast Guard must increase its presence in the northern waters, primarily by adding more “icebreaker” ships to its fleet. However, the U.S. is currently lagging behind its competitors in this regard. While the Coast Guard possesses one aging heavy icebreaker, Russia boasts over 50 icebreakers, and China is actively constructing more vessels.
Furthermore, there is room for improvement in utilizing existing military resources in Alaska. During the Cold War, the U.S. Air Force had early warning radar stations, long-range bombers, and missile defense capabilities in the state. Representative Green emphasized that Alaska’s airspace serves as the nation’s first line of defense against potential intrusions.
The Growing Importance of Alaska
The rapid recession of sea ice in the Arctic is transforming the region into a pressing concern. As parts of the Arctic Ocean become more navigable, military and civilian ships can utilize major shipping routes like the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage. This trend further underscores the strategic importance of Alaska to the United States.
What is the geopolitical importance of the Arctic?
The three most important resources in the Arctic are minerals, fish stocks and huge oil and gas reserves, most of which are located in Russian territories. “Long-term interstate conflict potential” in the Arctic lies in access to petroleum and minerals, renewable marine resources or shipping lanes. Raphically connected to the Arctic, it has been actively seeking to extend its influence beyond its borders through its Belt and Road Initiative, which includes the development of a “Polar Silk Road.” This initiative aims to connect China to the Arctic region through infrastructure projects and economic investments. China’s increasing presence in the Arctic has raised concerns among Democrats and Republicans alike, who see it as a potential threat to American dominance in the region.
Russia, on the other hand, has long been a dominant player in the Arctic, with a significant portion of its territory located in the region. It has been expanding its military presence in the Arctic, reopening military bases and conducting large-scale military exercises. This has raised concerns about Russia’s intentions and the potential for increased tensions in the region.
The United States has historically been a leader in the Arctic, with Alaska serving as a key strategic location. However, the Arctic has not received the same level of attention and resources as other areas of concern for the United States, such as the Middle East and Asia. This has left the U.S. ill-prepared to respond to the increasing challenges posed by China and Russia.
To address these concerns, lawmakers from both parties are calling for increased investment in Arctic infrastructure, including icebreakers, deep-water ports, and surveillance capabilities. They are also advocating for enhanced cooperation with allies, such as Canada and the Nordic countries, to ensure a united stance against China and Russia’s ambitions in the region.
Cooperation between Democrats and Republicans on this issue demonstrates the recognition of the importance of the Arctic and the need for a bipartisan approach to address the challenges posed by China and Russia. It also reflects a broader recognition that the United States cannot afford to overlook or neglect this strategically significant region.
As China and Russia continue to expand their presence and influence in the Arctic, the United States must take decisive action to protect its interests and assert its dominance in the region. The unity between Democrats and Republicans in expressing concern about China and Russia’s Arctic ambitions is a crucial step towards developing a comprehensive strategy to safeguard American interests in this rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
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