Why is Canada scrambling to counter Russia, China in the Arctic? | Politics News [Video]

Canada is stepping up its Arctic strategy amid growing geopolitical tensions and the region’s transformation due to climate change.

On Friday, Canada unveiled a 37-page security policy detailing plans to enhance its military and diplomatic presence in the Arctic, citing rising threats from Russian and Chinese activity.

Here’s what to know about Canada’s strategy and the tensions in the region.

Canada said its beefed-up presence in the Arctic is meant to counter security challenges in the region from Russia and China.

Canada’s new Arctic strategy highlights recent increased Russian activity along the edges of North American airspace.

It called Russian weapons testing and deployment of missile systems in the Arctic, which are capable of striking North America and Europe, “deeply troubling”.

Canada also accused China of regularly deploying vessels, equipped with dual-use military-research capabilities, in the north to collect data.

The document states that Ottawa has sought for years to manage the Arctic cooperatively with other states and keep …