The China-USA-Russia "Triangle" in the Arctic: Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Aspects

The problem of relations within the framework of the "strategic triangle" of the USA–China–Russia has extended to the Arctic region in recent years. Relations within the "triangle" are characterized by a certain balance of rivalry and cooperation in the spheres of geopolitics and geoeconomics, in which security and economic issues are closely intertwined and influence each other. This becomes obvious when analyzing each of its bilateral "axes": Chinese American, Russian American and Russian Chinese. The interaction of the Russian Federation and China in the development of the Arctic region is an important aspect of Russian-Chinese relations, reflecting their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. Russia and China are becoming increasingly close strategic partners, and the Arctic, among other areas, is gradually turning into an arena for potential long-term cooperation. The American Chinese axis of the "strategic triangle" of the USA–China–Russia is characterized by pronounced rivalry, alongside latent and not fully realized opportunities for cooperation. At the same time, the impetus for the rivalry comes exclusively from the American side and is based on the desire for leadership and dominance in the Arctic, rather than on a real perception of challenges and threats. U.S. Arctic policy under Trump will most likely continue to be based on strategic rivalry between great powers as the main strategic direction, emphasizing U.S. priority and dominance. US-Russian relations in the Arctic are also marked by rivalry, although the ongoing Russian American dialogue on the Ukrainian settlement, in the broader context of normalizing US-Russian relations, is making the potential for economic cooperation in the Arctic region increasingly obvious.