Arctic

The Chinese-flagged heavy-lift ship Ya Qing Hai Yang off Å in Vesterålen, Northern Norway. Taken on October 13, 2026. (Photo: Wenche Mikkelborg Enoksen)

 

At the Center of Geopolitics

 

Dear reader. Geopolitics in the Arctic are unfolding right before our eyes. As I write this, two Chinese heavy-lift vessels have been positioned off the Norwegian coast for two weeks, China is testing satellites in the Arctic and Putin is testing NATO’s threshold for war. This, and much more, in this week’s newsletter.   The Arctic keeps attracting the world’s attention.   The EU's new Arctic strategy addresses a changed threat landscape and puts security at the center. But people should have been the main priority, says Andreas Raspotnik, Director of the High North Center.   China also has interests in the region, literally speaking.   Two Chinese heavy-lift vessels—one of which is subject to sanctions due to its ties to Russia’s Arctic gas facilities—remain off the coast of Northern Norway for the second week.   And China has tested its new state-owned satellite system during this year’s Arctic expedition.   The rest of the week circles around defense and security. That is just how it is now.   Learn about how Indigenous peoples play an active role in Arctic emergency preparedness in Canada.   Recently I met NATO military Chief, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who says that while Arctic tensions demanded swift adaptation, it never brought NATO allies close to actual conflict.   I also did an interview with professor Katarzyna Zysk at the Norwegian Institute for Defense Studies, who presents what she calls the "salami tactic," where Russia gradually pushes the boundaries of what NATO is willing to tolerate.   Nordland county in Northern Norway is calling for more funding for health preparedness and infrastructure for military mobility in the national budget. Here is the government’s response.    Finally, in an interview with HNN, the Commander of Alaskan Command and Alaskan NORAD Regio comments on the growing military activity in the US Arctic.    Find this and more in High North News. Stay tuned for more Arctic news and updates. All the best, Editor in Chief Trine Jonassen