United States lacks the ability to counter Russia and China's influence in the Arctic: US analyst Nick Solheim

Washington: Biden administration lacks the ability to counter the increasing Russian and Chinese threat in the Arctic Peninsula, said analyst Nick Solheim. Over the last few years, Russia and China have mainly invested in establishing dominion over the Arctic region. In contrast, the United States is lagging at least a decade behind, claimed Solheim. While the warning of US analysts surfaced, Russian officials informed that China could get involved in the ambitious energy plant being built in the Arctic by Russia.

Over the last few years, the iceberg glaciers have been melting largely in the ice-covered landmass, the Arctic near the South Pole of the Earth. Thus, there are indications of the new trade route to be formed in this region. At the same time, this region is claimed to have massive amounts of oil and minerals. So, information has come to the fore that several nations across the world are eager for it. Thus, Russia has taken the lead for this and initiated aggressive movements. China has also shown interest in this.

In 2018, China declared an independent policy and stated itself as a ‘Near-Arctic State’. China, with the help of Russia, has started investing in few projects in the Arctic. At the same time, China has deployed three kinds of Ice-Breaker ships for essential transport in the Arctic, under the pretext of research and trade. China continues to invest in the European nations in the Arctic Peninsula. Moreover, it has been successfully able to capture a Norwegian airlines company. Besides, Russia has claimed its right over the Arctic openly and declared to construct a military base and energy and minerals plant.

Against this background, the United States only has two Icebreaker Ships deployed; it also has a military base active in Greenland. However, considering the rising threat of Russia and China, these factors are not enough for Arctic security, reminded US analyst Nick Solheim. “Considering the ability required to protect the Arctic, the United States is lagging by ten years, compared to Russia and China. But, the capability as a whole may take even 20 years to develop,” warned Solheim.

Last month, Mike Dunleavy, the governor of US State Alaska, which is part of the Arctic, drew attention to the threat of Russia and China. He further advised that the Arctic should not come under the influence of these two nations; the US administration will take the necessary steps for it.

Meanwhile, news has surfaced that Russia is building a ‘Snowflake International Arctic Station’ in the Arctic. Moreover, China is eager to participate in this project, informed the Russian officials. Earlier, South Korea had also shown interest in this project, Russia informed.