The battle for the Arctic has ceased to be a two thing. China has “planted” with five breaks against Russia and the US

In March there was one of that news that rumbles in the geopolitical scene. Russia announced its decision to put its flag in the Arctic with a floating nuclear plant. And if any nation, call the United States, I wanted to say something, I was very delayed. In the background a strictly numerical theme: the Moscow fleet had eight “nuclear” break.

And, suddenly, China has appeared.

Unpublished deployment. United States, through the North Command (Northcom) and the NORAD, Watch The simultaneous presence of Five Chinese breaks operating in Arctic International Waters, in front of Alaska, a number that multiply by two and a half The current capacity of the US coastal guard in the region.

The units, mostly research ships Like the Xue Long 2, the Ji Di and the Zhong Shan da Xue Ji Di, have been intercepted or survived by US media within the framework of the Frontier Sentinel operationdestined to counteract hostile activities, protect sovereign interests and promote respect for international maritime law. The deployment is part of a three -year trend of growing Chinese activity in the Arctic, facilitated by the thaw that opens routes such as The “Route del Norte”axis of the Chinese strategy of the “Polar silk route” To shorten in about 4,600 km The maritime journey to Europe.

Arctic capacities and gap. Yes, despite not being an Arctic State, China already operates at least Five Rompehielos And it projects to build more tens, while Russia has dozens of units and the United Polar Stary and the Healy), to which the Storis on August 10 as provisional reinforcement.

The rest of the 20 American breakwoods are domestic and They lack polar capacity. The Coast Guard warns which must expand and modernize its fleet to safeguard national security and maritime trade, aligning with the presidential guideline to acquire 40 new breaks. However, a new one is not built in the United States for half a century and current programs They suffer delayswith the first Polar Security Cutter postponed from 2024 A, possibly, 2029.

The USCGC Healy helps to release an oil tanker with Russian ice flag near Alaska in 2012

Industrial response. Before the gap, the Trump government has assigned 4.3 billion of dollars for up to three new heavy breaks and 3.5 billion for medium units, in addition to promoting the ICE Trilateral Pact With Canada and Finland to meet the planned demand for 90 Rompehielos In the next decade.

This agreement seeks Share informationform personnel and allow the joint acquisition of ships built in allied shipyards. In July, shipyards of the United States, Canada and Finland announced an alliance to produce Arctic Security Cutters, with a mature design and delivery capacity in 36 months after the award of the contract.

Strategic competition. No doubt, the increase in Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic reflects its growing interest in natural resources and strategic advantages of the region. Russia has massively reinforced its military infrastructureas in the Nagurskoye Air Base and the Trefoil Arctic Complexwhile the United States performs multinational exercise Arctic Edge 25 With own forces, from the United Kingdom, Denmark and local partners, although its ice operability remains limited by the shortage of breaking.

The simultaneous presence of five Chinese ships in this sensitive area underlines the urgency for Washington to close the capacities gap if you want to maintain influence and access at the north end.

Geopolitical importance. Plus: the thaw of the Arctic not only opens shorter trade routes between Asia and Europe, but It exposes reservations of hydrocarbons, critical minerals and new fishing grounds, all of high strategic value. For China, increase your footprint in the region gives you ability to influence In a space historically dominated by NATO Arctic States and members, in addition to reinforcing its global naval projection.

For the United States, on the other hand, the Chinese advance and Russian supremacy In polar abilities they show the urgent need to invest in media that ensure the defense of their maritime routes, resources and presence in a scenario where geopolitical competence intensifies rapidly.

Image | Us Coast Guard, USCG

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