Friends in need? Russo-Chinese cooperation in the Arctic

This chapter examines the evolving dynamics of Russo-Chinese cooperation in the Arctic, tracing its development from initial mutual skepticism to pragmatic partnership. Whereas Russia views the Arctic as a core interest both economically and geopolitically, for China it is part of the “strategic new frontiers” of global governance. The partnership has deepened in response to Western sanctions on Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and even further following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, making Russia increasingly reliant on China for investment, technology, and markets. The chapter examines key areas of Russo-Chinese cooperation in the Arctic, including energy cooperation, shipping along the Northern Sea Route, scientific research, and military cooperation as of 2024. It finds that Russia and China remain cautious toward each other, and that there remains some mistrust due to differing priorities. The chapter concludes that while the relationship has grown, it remains limited to cost-effective, strategic interests, with both countries carefully balancing their own goals and reservations about deeper alignment in the Arctic.

Handbook of the Politics of the Arctic, eds. Geir Hønneland, Andreas Østhagen and Svein Vigeland Rottem. Edward Elgar, 2026, pp. 447–463