The geopolitical rivalry between Western countries on the one hand and Russia-China on the other has escalated into a new Cold War, and the Arctic could become a "battlefield" in this confrontation, writes Bloomberg.

Russia, which owns more than half of the Arctic coast, has been modernizing and expanding its military presence in the region for several years, and China calls the Arctic a "new strategic frontier and wants to use it as a transport route to Europe - the Polar Silk Road.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, during a trip to the far north of Canada, said that cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic challenges the interests of the alliance.

Information that US President Joe Biden is considering the possibility of introducing the post of ambassador to the Arctic appeared on August 26. According to the American media, Washington may take this step because of the increasing struggle with Moscow and Beijing in the region. A possible US ambassador to the Arctic may work with partners from the Arctic and non-Arctic countries.

At the end of July, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the new Russian Maritime Doctrine, which recognizes the US course for dominance as the main threat to Russia at sea.

The document, among other things, notes that Russia will strengthen its leading position in the study and development of the maritime spaces of the Arctic.