Russia and China: Reflections and security challenges for the Arctic region

There is no denying either the importance of the Baltic Sea or the strategic importance of the Kola Peninsula to Russia’s military deterrent. It is in Russia’s interest to secure the use of these areas for all eventualities. The country’s armed forces are expected to increase in size in the coming years, and this will result in both changes to the force structure and the establishment of new forces, especially on the borders of north-west Russia. Alongside this, the inevitable thawing of the Northeast Passage will bring new challenges and actors to the region, impacting the general security situation there. In the current situation, where transatlantic relations are in a state of flux, it is important that the EU and NATO’s European member states also prepare for China to become more aggressive in terms of its military capabilities in the northern regions.