As the COVID-19 pandemic distracts much of the world, Russia and China are brazenly encroaching on the melting Arctic. Once-frozen waters are now becoming sea lanes and potential attack routes, creating dramatic new security dangers for North America.
In April, Russian Spetsnaz special forces troops conducted an impressive, high-altitude parachute drop and mock airborne raid on a Russian Arctic island.
Russia has also reopened abandoned Soviet-era military installations, built new military bases and icebreakers, increased troop presence and military drills, and established advanced radar stations in its territory above the Arctic Circle.
I agree. But before Canada can cooperate with America in defending the Arctic, the Canadians have to start defending the Arctic.
I've been looking forward to Canada looking north in order to man a NATO frontline, but they just haven't.
And while I'm at it, how on Earth can China get away from claiming to be a "near Arctic" state with interests there?
