NATO’s Rutte Warns China, Russia Increasingly Active in Arctic

Summary

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking on a Davos panel, said the Arctic must be defended as sea lanes open and China and Russia become increasingly active. He noted that seven of eight Arctic-bordering countries are NATO members, with Russia outside and China acting as an increasingly active ninth. Rutte said NATO ambassadors agreed in September to do more to protect the Arctic against Russian and Chinese influence. He declined to comment on current tensions, stressing thoughtful diplomacy instead.

• Mark Rutte spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos about Arctic security.
• He said President Trump and other leaders are right that the Arctic needs defending.
• Rutte cited opening sea lanes and growing Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic.
• He noted seven Arctic-bordering countries are NATO members, while Russia is not.
• Rutte described China as an increasingly active ninth Arctic country.
• NATO ambassadors agreed in September to step up collective Arctic defense.
• Rutte avoided commenting on current tensions and emphasized diplomacy.