The United States has recorded increased activity in the Arctic, including increased cooperation in the Russia and China region. This was announced on Wednesday at a meeting with a small group of journalists, including a Russian media correspondent, commander of the US Navy in Europe and Africa, Admiral James Foggo.

"The polar cap is retreating, and this has been happening for some time", he said. “This opens up opportunities for activity: trade, tourism,” the military leader emphasized. “This region is becoming more active. China and Russia are cooperating more in the Arctic. And I advise the Russian Federation to think about it because I’m not sure that China’s interests are both Russian interests and vice versa”, Foggo said.

"Russia recently made certain statements that if you use the Northern Sea Route, you need to request permission in 45 days, they also send Russian pilots on board. We, as a rule, are not inclined to do something like this, because we consider this as a transit corridor, it should have freedom of navigation in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea", said the admiral.

He recalled that Washington views the current situation in the world as "the rivalry of the great powers: the United States with China and Russia". In this regard, the Pentagon seeks to strengthen the American fleet, including quantitatively.