US Arctic strategy calls for more military exercises to counter Russia, China

The White House on Friday released its 10-year strategy for the Arctic, with a focus on keeping Russia and China at bay in the region.

The National Strategy for the Arctic Region, last released in 2013, includes four pillars meant to keep the region “peaceful, stable, prosperous, and cooperative” in the face of climate change and increasing aggression from Moscow and Beijing.

The plan “addresses the climate crisis with greater urgency and directs new investments in sustainable development to improve livelihoods for Arctic residents, while conserving the environment,” as well as acknowledging increasing competition “exacerbated by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine,” according to a summary of the document.

Among the goals is an upped U.S. military presence, which includes increased military exercises with allies and partners, modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense Command and extra Coast Guard icebreakers.