The United States issued a statement on December 19, unilaterally announcing the expansion of its claims to the outer continental shelf in the Arctic and large areas of the Bering Sea. The total area of the claimed continental shelf is about 1 million square kilometers, about twice the size of California. The United States claims that the move is based on its "national interests and international law" considerations and is aimed at protecting its economic and security interests in the Arctic region.
This unilateral action of the United States was strongly opposed by Russia. In response, Nikolai Haritonov, chairman of the Arctic Committee of the Russian State Duma, said that the unilateral expansion of borders in the Arctic is unacceptable and will only lead to an increase in tensions. "First of all, it is necessary to prove the geological level of belonging of these territories, as Russia did at that time," he stressed. Russian spokeswoman Zakharova also pointed out that the US sovereignty claim has no legal basis and is a blatant provocation to international law.
The dispute between the United States and Russia in the Arctic is not recent. The Arctic region, rich in natural resources and strategic value, is a focus of contention among countries. The United States has been trying to expand its influence in the Arctic region, strengthening its military presence and economic interests. Since Biden took office, he has strengthened the top-level design of the Arctic military strategy by issuing a series of Arctic strategy documents, positioning Russia as a "competitor" in the Arctic region. The US Army, Navy, Air Force, and other branches of the armed forces have successively formulated their own Arctic strategies, deployed advanced warplanes, bombers, missile systems, and other advanced equipment, and strengthened military exercises and patrol activities in the Arctic region.
As one of the leading countries in the Arctic region, Russia has the longest Arctic coastline and the largest Arctic territory, and has an important influence on the security and stability of the Arctic region. Russia has always adhered to its legitimate rights and interests in the Arctic region and has intensified its efforts to build the region. Russia's Putin recently asked the relevant departments to submit a plan for the construction of railway lines along the coast. It is reported that the railway line will be extended to the Nenets region in the Arctic, where the Russian side hopes to build a new port in the coming years. Russia has also deployed Bastion shore-based anti-ship missiles and other coastal defense systems, as well as advanced nuclear submarines and fighter jets, in the Arctic region, forming a joint defense posture and effectively safeguarding Russia's military security in the Arctic region.
The game between the United States and Russia in the Arctic is the result of the deterioration of relations between the two countries since the Ukraine crisis and "spillover" into the Arctic region. As the situation in Ukraine continues to ferment, the United States and other NATO countries do not rule out taking a series of "small actions" in the Arctic region to divert Russia's attention, disrupt the strategic game situation, and create a "puzzle" in military struggle. Such irresponsible behavior poses a threat to Russia's security, poses serious military risks to all parties concerned, and may even lead to a large-scale conflict in Europe. In the future, the security and stability of the Arctic region may face greater challenges.