Norway accuses Russia and China of seeking to strengthen their presence in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard

While the world is busy with Greenland, a Norwegian military intelligence report stated on Friday that Russia and China are seeking to strengthen their presence in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic.

In the report, which includes an annual threat assessment, the Norwegian intelligence service stated that "From Moscow’s perspective, Svalbard’s strategic location makes it imperative for Russia to maintain a presence there"

The report referred to the second largest town on Svalbard, the Barentsburg coal mining settlement, which is populated almost entirely by Russian citizens.

He added. "There are indications that the Kremlin is seeking to reduce the Barentsburg settlement’s dependence on infrastructure Norwegian Logistics and Transport"warning that the regular visits of Russian ships to the port of Barentsburg are a deliberate step in this direction.

The report also expected that Beijing would work to strengthen its presence in Svalbard as part of consolidating its role in the Arctic.

It said that the Chinese presence had become more evident in the Arctic, as in 2025 five Chinese research ships would work in the Arctic Ocean, compared to three ships in 2024 and one ship in previous years.

The report also pointed out that tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland "It may serve both Russian and Chinese interests"

The head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, Andreas Stensones, said in a press conference that "Many of the foundations of Norwegian security are facing challenges, and we must accept that the world order as we knew it is falling apart"

Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said at the conference that "The year 2026 so far is very uncertain"Pointing in particular to the desire of the American President Donald Trump announced the annexation of Greenland.

Trump’s threats to control Greenland last month plunged NATO, of which Norway is a member, into its deepest crisis in years.

Sandvik said. "There is no doubt that transatlantic relations have become more volatile"

At the same press conference, Stinsonis saw that Washington’s actions influenced the way Moscow and Beijing think.
He told reporters that from Beijing and Moscow’s point of view "The western unity is beginning to crack, and they see great opportunities to strengthen their influence and secure their control over the neighboring regions".