US Plans to Protect Arctic from Russia and China with New Strategy
The United States has introduced a new Arctic Strategy for 2024 to enhance surveillance and intelligence capabilities in the Arctic region. This strategy aims to prevent Russia and China from exploiting the area as climate change melts the ice, making it more accessible.
Key Points of the Strategy
Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks emphasized the importance of training and equipment for troops in the Arctic. She stated, “In the Arctic, the strategic can quickly become tactical.” The strategy calls for more ground-based sensors, space-based sensors, and long-range radar to monitor activities by adversaries.
The US is also focusing on increasing unmanned aerial reconnaissance and communication capabilities. Despite investing millions of dollars, more resources are needed to support Arctic operations.
Infrastructure and Cooperation
The strategy highlights the need for better infrastructure, as much of the Cold War-era facilities have deteriorated. The accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO is seen as a positive development, as it means every Arctic nation except Russia is now part of the Western alliance.
US officials have praised Swedish and Finnish capabilities in the Arctic and plan to conduct more joint exercises to counter Russian and Chinese activities.
Concerns About Russia and China
Hicks noted that Russia continues to invest in Arctic infrastructure despite its ongoing war in Ukraine. China has also increased its activities in the region, conducting joint naval patrols with Russia and investing in Russian energy projects.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Arctic, Iris Ferguson, mentioned that China’s self-declared status as a “near-Arctic state” is part of its strategy to gain influence in the region. She noted that while Russian-Chinese cooperation is still somewhat superficial, it is expected to evolve.
The Pentagon views China as a long-term challenge, with its increasing military presence in the Arctic being a cause for concern.
Doubts Revealed
Arctic -: The Arctic is a very cold area at the top of the Earth, near the North Pole. It is covered with ice and is home to animals like polar bears and seals.
Russia and China -: Russia and China are two big countries. Russia is the largest country in the world, and China has the most people. Both are very powerful and have strong armies.
Surveillance and intelligence -: Surveillance means watching something closely, like using cameras or satellites. Intelligence means gathering information, often secret, to understand what others are doing.
Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks -: Kathleen Hicks is a high-ranking official in the US government who helps make decisions about the country’s defense and military.
NATO -: NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is a group of countries, including the US, that work together to keep each other safe.
Pentagon -: The Pentagon is the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. It is a big building where many important military decisions are made.
Sweden and Finland -: Sweden and Finland are countries in Europe. They are known for being peaceful and have recently been working more with NATO.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure means the basic things needed for a place to work well, like roads, buildings, and communication systems.
