China and Russia encroaching militarily near Alaska

Proximity Matters: China And Russia Boost Military Presence Near Alaska

As President Donald Trump highlights the critical strategic importance of the warming and melting Arctic as he pushes for control over Greenland and even possibly Canada, Beijing and Moscow are reinforcing his concerns by encroaching militarily on U.S. Arctic territory around Alaska.

And they are doing so in multiple domains. As such, the defense of the American homeland is taking on a dramatic newfound importance.

With previously ice-bound waters now open, both military and commercial vessels can navigate routes once deemed impassable. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) has emerged as a direct competitor to the traditional Suez Canal, offering a faster, more efficient alternative, drastically cutting travel time between Asia and Europe.

Since the Arctic also provides the shortest avenue for missile attacks between Russia and the U.S., it is vital for missile defense and nuclear deterrence.

Of the two powers, China is most concerning, now calling itself a “near Arctic” power.

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