Western sanctions and distrust draw China, Russia closer in the Arctic
- As the polar region turns into another front for US-China rivalry, Beijing and Moscow are finding common interests
- Experts say collaborations are growing to include energy, science and defence, with Washington wary of China’s intentions
But melting sea ice has potentially opened a more lucrative passage, that Russia is understood to be testing with a cargo of crude oil crossing the Arctic Ocean and expected to arrive on August 12 at Rizhao, in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong.
If successful, the venture would reduce the maritime distance between Europe and northeast Asia by 30 per cent, compared to the route via the Suez, and significantly reduce freight costs.
China – which has its own ambitions of becoming a “polar great power” by 2030 – has also been gaining a foothold in the region through scientific research and economic ties with the Arctic states, particularly Russia, in recent years.
“We see cooperation with Chinese partners in developing the transit potential of the northern sea route as promising,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with China’s leader Xi Jinping in March.
“We are ready to create a joint working body for the development of the northern sea route.”