NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic is “a challenge to the values and interests of the alliance.”
In an article for the Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail, the Secretary General noted that in recent years Russia has “significantly increased its military activity” in the Arctic.
“There is no doubt that Russia’s ability to disable Allied reinforcements in the North Atlantic is a strategic challenge for the Alliance,” he added.
According to the secretary general, China is also “expanding its presence” in the region, declaring itself a “semi-polar country” and planning to create a “Polar Silk Road” linking China with Europe through the Arctic.
“Earlier this year, Beijing and Moscow announced a commitment to intensify practical cooperation in the Arctic as part of a deep strategic partnership that challenges our values and interests,” Stoltenberg said.
Stoltenberg noted that NATO “cares about maintaining security, stability and cooperation in the High North.”
In this context, the NATO Secretary General noted that “as soon as Finland and Sweden join the Alliance, seven of the eight Arctic countries will become members of NATO.” He emphasized that this “will significantly strengthen our positions in the Far North and our ability to support our allies in the Baltic.”
Source: RIA Novosti