As the Arctic’s ice melts, a new sea route may extend to Scandinavia, offering quicker access to the North Sea. This route reduces travel time between Shanghai and St Petersburg, appealing to cargo ships and trade. China and Russia are keen on developing this route, with Moscow facing urgency due to sanctions. Russia views the Arctic strategically and economically, contrasting China’s varied interests. Russian suspicion of foreign involvement in the Arctic has thawed, with a recent focus on the sea route collaboration with China.
However, challenges like the harsh environment, infrastructure, and geopolitical tensions hinder the route’s full potential. Despite the current focus on fuel transportation, concerns over China’s Arctic resource exploitation exist. Cooperation between China and Russia in developing waterways is suggested to counter US interference. Progress has been made on infrastructure devlopment, hinting at future collaboration possibilities.