Norway Accuses Russia and China of Seeking to Enhance Their Presence in the Arctic

SadaNews - While the world focuses on Greenland, a report from the Norwegian military intelligence stated on Saturday that Russia and China are seeking to strengthen their presence in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic.

In the report, which includes an annual threat assessment, the Norwegian intelligence agency mentioned that "from Moscow's perspective, the strategic location of Svalbard necessitates that Russia maintain a presence there."

The report pointed out the second-largest settlement in Svalbard, which is the coal mining settlement of Barentsburg, almost entirely inhabited by Russian citizens.

It added: "There are indications that the Kremlin is attempting to reduce the dependency of the Barentsburg settlement on Norwegian infrastructure for supply and transport," warning that the regular visits of Russian ships to the port of Barentsburg represent a deliberate step in this direction.

The report also anticipated that Beijing would work to enhance its presence in Svalbard as part of strengthening its role in the Arctic.

It noted that the Chinese presence has become more apparent in the Arctic, as in 2025, five Chinese research ships operated in the Arctic Ocean, compared to three ships in 2024 and one ship in previous years.

The report highlighted that the tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland "could serve the interests of both Russia and China."

Andreas Stiensonis, the head of the Norwegian intelligence agency, stated in a press conference that "many aspects of Norwegian security are facing challenges, and we must accept the reality that the global system as we knew it is deteriorating."

Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik noted in the conference that "the year 2026 so far is marked by great uncertainty," particularly pointing to the declared desire of U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Greenland.

Trump's threats to take control of Greenland last month plunged NATO, of which Norway is a member, into one of its deepest crises in years.

Sandvik stated: "There is no doubt that transatlantic relations have become more volatile."

In the same press conference, Stiensonis viewed that Washington's actions have influenced the way Moscow and Beijing think.

He told reporters that from Beijing and Moscow's perspective, "the Western unity has started to crack, and they see great opportunities to enhance their influence and secure their control over neighboring areas."