WASHINGTON – The Pentagon on Thursday said Chinese activities in the Arctic strengthened military presence, including deployment of submarines which act as deterrents against nuclear attack.
Beijing’s publication of its first official Arctic policy outlined plans to develop shipping lanes opened up by global warming to form a “Polar Silk Road” on President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative.
China is increasingly active in the polar region and became an observer member of the Arctic Council in 2013 that prompted concerns from Arctic states over Beijing’s long-term strategic objectives, including possible military deployments.
The United States and its allies are expanding their anti-submarine naval deployments across East Asia.
This includes stepped-up patrols of America’s advanced, sub-hunting P-8 Poseidon planes out of Singapore and Japan. (Reuters)
