During a joint press briefing, President Putin highlighted growing volumes of cargo transported between the two nations via the Arctic. “There is significant progress in issues related to the development and commercial use of the Northern Sea Route,” he said. This corridor, running along Russia’s Arctic coast, is viewed as a strategic alternative to traditional global trade routes.

Putin emphasized that bilateral trade is benefiting from improved infrastructure, including expanded border crossings and new logistical hubs. Xi’s presence in Moscow coincided with Russia’s May 9 military commemorations, underscoring the political and symbolic weight of the talks.

Institutionalizing Arctic Dialogue

Though not the main agenda item, Arctic issues were featured in both the leaders’ press briefing and their joint declaration. The document reaffirms both countries’ commitment to “preserving peace and stability in the Arctic and preventing military and political tension in the region.”

This bilateral Arctic alignment has been building steadily. Following Xi’s visit to Moscow in March 2023, the two nations established a joint working group focused on the Northern Sea Route. Further talks occurred during Putin’s visit to Beijing in October 2023, and in December 2024, the first official meeting of the Arctic cooperation body was held.

Strategic Significance of Arctic Integration

The China-Russia push for Arctic integration has major geopolitical and economic implications. Beyond logistics and trade efficiency, the initiative strengthens Beijing’s and Moscow’s presence in a region that NATO allies—including Norway—have also identified as strategically vital.

Their efforts to avoid framing the cooperation in overtly military terms were evident in the language of “peace and stability.” However, the dual-use potential of Arctic infrastructure and the involvement of soldiers from both nations in joint parades highlight the overlapping civil-military nature of this partnership.