The Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies convenes monthly meetings of its National and Arctic Interest Chairs. The meetings are a platform for TSC-affiliated Arctic security experts to discuss issues of common interest.
During the August 13 meeting, the Chairs discussed the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting in Anchorage and recent Chinese Arctic activity.
In some ways Alaska makes perfect sense as a convenient site for a meeting of the U.S. and Russian presidents; Anchorage is a frequent refueling stop between North America and Asia and provides a quieter backdrop than either the Russian or U.S. national capitals. Even so, the Chairs noted it is difficult to overlook the symbolism of discussing the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a U.S. state that was previously Russian territory. All these reasons lend credence to the geostrategic importance of the Arctic. All eyes will be on Anchorage as the two world leaders sit down on Friday.
The Chairs also discussed the implications of the Xue Long II’s legal presence of the Coast of Alaska at the same time as the commissioning of USCGC Storis in Juneau. The Chairs agreed that the Chinese operation appears calibrated to respect international norms while sending a message about U.S. freedom of navigation missions in the South China Sea. Chinese Arctic research activities, like those undertaken by the Xue Long II, serve several objectives including but not limited to scientific investigation. The activities also serve to advance China’s credibility as an Arctic nation, demonstrating presence and capabilities in the region.Through recent investments in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the U.S. has committed to increasing its Arctic capabilities and presence. Sunday’s commissioning of the medium icebreaker USCGC Storis further demonstrated this commitment.
The TSC’s National and Arctic Interest Chairs program integrates national Arctic security networks as well as distinguished subject matter experts to advance a common understanding of Arctic security and best practices for Arctic security and defense. The Chairs include representatives from Norway and Sweden as well as Chairs from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska National Guard in addition to a Chair for Polar Governance