This is what Stoltenberg writes in an article in the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail as part of his visit to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week.
In the article, he points out, among other things, that the shortest route to North America for Russian missiles or bombers is through the North Pole.
arctic a theme
The Arctic will be a subject there, and in particular the Russian aggression in the northern regions.
– Last month, President Vladimir Putin launched a new maritime strategy to protect Arctic waters “with all available means”, including increased activity around the Svalbard archipelago and the Zircon hypersonic missile system on the North. Russia’s ability to disrupt Allied reinforcements across the North Atlantic is a strategic challenge for the alliance, writes Stoltenberg.
Also warns against China’s plans
The NATO chief also warns against China’s plans in the Arctic.
– China is also expanding its reach, declaring itself a “near-Arctic state” and planning a “Polar Silk Road” linking China to Europe via the Arctic. Earlier this year, Beijing and Moscow promised to intensify practical cooperation in the Arctic, as part of a deep strategic partnership that challenges our values and interests, writes the secretary-general.
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