Warming US-Russia ties threaten China's Arctic ambitions

China's Arctic ambitions may be affected by warming ties between the U.S. and Russia. Previously, China relied on Russia for access to the Arctic, but geopolitical shifts could limit its influence. China has identified itself as a "near-Arctic state," raising concerns among the U.S. and its allies. This has led to a backlash from Arctic nations, including Russia, which values its sovereignty in the region. In response, China is focusing more on scientific cooperation and developing icebreakers, while reducing its broader ambitions. Experts note that China's interest in the Arctic appears to be declining amid rising geopolitical tensions.