A More Effective US Response to China's Growing Activities in the Arctic
Abstract
Alaska is the largest state in the US and it is full of valuable natural resources. Alaska also makes the United States an Arctic state, and now, it requires the government's attention. Not only for its resources but the importance Alaska plays in the national security of the United States. Full of rare minerals, oil reserves, and untapped fish resources, the Arctic region is at the forefront of great power competition. Governed only by agreements between the eight Arctic states, the Arctic region is now at a crossroads due to growing activities by non-Arctic states, including China, which declared itself a "near-Arctic" state in 2018. Through its scientific claims and investments, China has gained a foothold in the region. Unfortunately, the icy region that once protected the United States is now melting and exposing vulnerabilities on our northern flank. In addition, China and Russia are cooperating more and increasing their activities in the Arctic region. For example, through its joint Arctic training exercises with Russia, China is becoming a more significant threat to the United States and its allies. China has also announced plans to extend its Belt and Road initiative through a 'Polar Silk Road' in the Arctic region. The US needs to take two first steps to better protect its interests and influence in the Arctic region. First, the US should ratify UNCLOS to gain legitimacy in matters of the sea. Only then will the US, with the support of international law, be able to truly hold China accountable for any unlawful acts the PRC might take. Secondly, it should lead its allies in investing in unmanned systems to increase our awareness of activities in this hard-to-reach region. An all-domain ISR system can provide the surveillance and tracking of the region through the use of air, surface, and underwater UAS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 07, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1178160
Entities
People
- Eugenio A. Razo
Organizations
- Marine Corps University