U.S. Announces New Arctic Strategy to Strengthen Deterrence Against Communist China and Russia

According to reports on October 7th, the Biden administration of the United States released a new version of the National Strategy for the Arctic Region, expounding its related policies in the Arctic region such as security and climate change. At the same time, the White House website issued a fact sheet for the document, saying that the new version of the Arctic Strategy describes the increasing strategic competition in the area. This competition is related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and China’s increased efforts to gain influence in the region, while the United States seeks to be well-positioned to compete effectively and manage tensions. The new U.S. Arctic strategy also states that the United States will deter threats to the U.S. homeland and allies by strengthening the capabilities needed to defend its interests in the Arctic while coordinating common security measures with allies and partners to reduce the risk of accidental escalation. According to the document, the U.S. Arctic strategy will be built based on “four pillars” with security at the forefront, climate change and environmental protection, sustainable economic development, and international cooperation and governance among the other pillars. The strategy also proposes five principles to serve as a framework to guide the U.S. government’s approach to tackling emerging challenges and opportunities in the region, such as consulting, coordinating, and co-manage with Alaska native tribes and communities, deepening relationships with allies and partners, plan for long lead-time investments, cultivate cross-sectoral coalitions and innovative ideas, as well as commit to a whole of government, evidence-based approach.