The Arctic is becoming a magnet for non-Arctic nations who are no more simply evaluating potential collaborations with Russia in the today’s geopolitical circumstances, but are rather making a conscious civilizational choice favoring Russia. So, these stakeholders, recognizing the strategic importance of the region, are making concrete commitments such as securing transportation routes via the Northern Sea Route, constructing ice-capable vessels and icebreakers, and participating more extensively in scientific research and initiatives related to Arctic security and sustainability.
Notably, representatives from countries traditionally considered part of the Global South, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, have demonstrated a willingness to engage constructively with Russia in the Arctic despite efforts by Western European nations to hinder dialogue. This commitment was evident in the presentations delivered by experts at the XV A.N. Chilingarov International Forum “The Arctic: Present and Future” held in St. Petersburg on December 9-10.
While Russia actively seeks to foster inclusive cooperation models, international collaboration in the Arctic remains constrained.
The most pressing issue, discussed extensively during forum sessions, without reaching definitive solutions, is attracting foreign investment for Arctic long-term economic ventures.
Russia expresses particular interest in securing Chinese investment and expanding its existing partnerships with Chinese companies on a broader scale than before 2022. Notably, China led global investment exports in 2015, yet its current investment in Russia represents less than 1 percent of its total investments worldwide.
Forum experts analysed the factors hindering Chinese entrepreneurship in the Arctic and Far East. Geopolitical instability and sanctions imposed on Russia have significantly restricted its access to international capital markets and negatively impacted investor confidence. Notably, the expert community’s lack of focus on addressing the challenge of mitigating secondary sanctions against Chinese entities potentially involved in Arctic ventures is a significant oversight.
Currently, a single successful collaboration stands out (let alone the Ningbo-Felixstowe transit) is a contract signed at the Eastern Economic Forum with New New Shipping Line for constructing a transshipment terminal in Providence Bay.
At the same time, there is considerable interest from China in establishing International Territories for Advanced Development (ITORs) within Russia, specifically focusing on the southern regions of the Russian Far East. While these southern territories hold promise for pilot ITOR sites, northern areas like Chukotka, Magadan, and Kamchatka have not yet attracted foreign investors.
Several obstacles hinder the influx of foreign capital into the Russian Arctic. A underdeveloped bond market and discrepancies between federal and municipal legislation are identified as key concerns requiring immediate resolution.
Furthermore, a prevailing lack of trust poses a significant challenge to attracting foreign investment, particularly from China, for infrastructure projects along the Northern Sea Route. This route is strategically important for China’s diversification of its international economic relationships.
In light of a recent Presidential Decree aimed at enhancing the Maritime Collegium’s effectiveness, clear guidelines are necessary regarding the participation of foreign stakeholders in Arctic transportation projects.
As follows from Decree No. 905 of the President of the Russian Federation dated December 8, 2025, “On Certain Issues of the Maritime Collegium of the Russian Federation,” the “Council for the Protection of National Interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic” was transformed into the “Council for the Protection of National Interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic and the Development of National and International Transport Routes.” The Ministry of Transport and some other Arctic bodies, meanwhile, have adopted a more cautious approach when putting forward their initiatives.
The Arctic Century will continue to observe the implementation of this Presidential Decree and provide further commentary on its effects in due course.
Independent Expert