Trump adviser calls for 'challenging' Russian influence in Arctic
The US Coast Guard would pave the way for restoring US leadership in the Arctic and help counter Russia's growing military influence in the region, national security adviser John Bolton said.
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| Mr. John Bolton. Photo: Sputnik |
“You will help the United States challenge Russia’s growing military influence in the Arctic and oppose China’s unlawful claims to ‘near-Arctic sovereignty,’” the official added.
Mr. Bolton also noted that the United States plans to build new icebreakers capable of ensuring a year-round presence in the Arctic to confront Russia and China.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Washington wants to cooperate with Moscow in the Arctic. At the same time, he noted that the Arctic Council has paid more attention to the threat from China and Russia, and declared that Moscow's requirement that other countries ask for permission when their ships travel along the Northern Sea Route is illegal.
