China Deepens Economic and Technological Ties with Russia

This partnership was further solidified with the approval of an action plan for developing shipping along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) by Russia and China at a meeting of the Subcommittee on NSR Cooperation in Harbin in October 2025.

China’s interest in NSR development stems from its desire to diversify its export routes. As a nation heavily reliant on maritime trade, accounting for 90% of its exports, China seeks alternative pathways beyond the Strait of Malacca, which faces potential closure threats during geopolitical crises.

Moreover, China has substantially expanded its fleet of icebreaking research vessels. While the veteran vessel «Snow Dragon» primarily fulfills auxiliary roles, supporting China’s polar stations, it is now joined by four new icebreakers, two of which were constructed in 2024 alone. Facing restrictions imposed by Western nations on access to Arctic zones, Chinese scientists increasingly rely on the NSR as an alternative route for research endeavors.

The expert assesses the current geopolitical landscape for cooperation as highly favorable for collaborative efforts. Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept, approved in March 2023, not only invites ‘friendly’ states to cooperate in the Arctic but also, for the first time, allows for their participation in the infrastructure development of the Northern Sea Route.