The Northern Sea Route (NSR), controlled by Russia along the Arctic coast, is becoming increasingly important in relations between Moscow and Beijing. According to a CNN analysis, since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, international traffic on this corridor has been increasingly dominated by Chinese companies.
The route, which runs about 3,500 miles along Russia's Arctic coast, is navigable for a limited period during the summer and requires icebreaker support in some segments. However, melting ice is extending the sailing season and making it more attractive for international shipping.
For Moscow, the NSR is a strategic project for exporting oil and gas and developing its Arctic ports. For Beijing, it offers an alternative to traditional trade routes and an opportunity to secure Russian energy, including cargoes that have been affected by Western sanctions.
Chinese companies increase travel
China's interest in this corridor has increased significantly. According to data from the Norwegian Center for High Northern Logistics, at least six Chinese shipping companies are expected to make more than 50 trips along the NSR this season.
Chinese company Sea Legend, headquartered in Singapore, is expected to launch a regular seasonal container shipping service between China and Europe, advertising a transit time of around 20 days.
Meanwhile, New New Shipping has opened a new line between Tianjin and Murmansk, one of Russia's main ports in the Arctic.
Traffic along the NSR remains much smaller than that through major corridors, such as the Suez Canal. However, its strategic importance is growing, especially due to the transportation of Russian oil and gas to the Chinese market.
The data also shows that some of the ships that have transported sanctioned cargoes to China have been blacklisted by the US.
The Arctic, a new point of rivalry
The expansion of Russian-Chinese economic cooperation in the Arctic is being viewed with concern by the West. Experts warn that China's greater commercial and research presence could, over time, create opportunities for other uses, including military ones.
Beijing disputes this interpretation and states that its activities in the Arctic are aimed at economic development, scientific research and international cooperation.
However, Western countries are increasing their attention to the region. NATO has warned of the growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic, while the US is investing in expanding its icebreaking capabilities.
Climate change is also in the background. Melting Arctic ice could create longer sailing periods and make the NSR more usable in the coming decades.
For Russia, this means a new source of income and an alternative route for energy exports. For China, it is a corridor that could secure energy supplies and shorten several trade routes between Asia and Europe.
Thus, the Northern Sea Route is gradually transforming from a Russian economic project into a corridor of strategic importance for Moscow-Beijing relations and for the competition of great powers in the Arctic.
