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China-Russia relations
OpinionAsia Opinion
Nong Hong
Opinion
Nong Hong

How the West can navigate Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic

As China and Russia deepen Arctic cooperation, Western nations must collectively balance engagement with vigilance to mitigate tensions

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Nong Hong
Nong Hong, PhD, is executive director and senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies in Washington, US, and a senior fellow with the Beijing Club for International Dialogue.
The China-Russia partnership has reached unprecedented levels, propelled by mutual strategic interests in Arctic governance and a shared objective of countering Western influence. This partnership is reflected in recent joint military activities, enhanced maritime cooperation and increasingly integrated Arctic policies.

Two high-profile military exercises – “Northern/Interaction-2024” and “Ocean-2024” – highlight the depth of China-Russian military cooperation.

The Northern/Interaction-2024 exercise emphasised anti-submarine warfare and aerial defence. The drills tested advanced interoperability between the two nations’ naval forces, underscoring their preparedness for joint operations in sensitive regions.

Ocean-2024 reportedly focused on simulated defensive strategies to protect vital infrastructure and on offensive amphibious landings on unprepared terrain. These simulations reflect an emphasis on maintaining operational readiness against potential threats such as those posed by Nato.

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