In recent developments, defense officials have highlighted the growing cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic region, but have also emphasized that such collaboration remains somewhat superficial. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced on Wednesday that U.S. and Canadian fighter jets intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying in international airspace near Alaska. This comes shortly after the U.S. Defense Department expressed concerns over the noticeable increase in Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.

According to NORAD, the foreign military aircraft - two Russian TU-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 aircraft - did not breach American or Canadian sovereign airspace and remained in international airspace. The intercepts were deemed as non-threatening by NORAD, which stated that it will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and respond accordingly.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang explained in a press briefing that this flight was the eighth "joint air strategic patrol" carried out by China and Russia since 2019. Zhang asserted that the operation is not targeted at any third party, adheres to international law, and is unrelated to the current international and regional situation.

While joint military exercises between China and Russia are not uncommon, concerns have been raised by U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Hicks emphasized that China seeks greater influence in the Arctic, and the growing alignment between China and Russia in the region is troubling. Hicks unveiled a new Arctic strategy, recognizing the critical nature of the current situation, particularly with regard to climate change and its impact on defense missions.

The strategy report acknowledges China's increasing presence in the Arctic, although still limited, and highlights the concern over the alignment between China and Russia. It also mentions Russia's reliance on China for financing energy export infrastructure in the Arctic, given the impact of the Ukraine invasion. More than 80 percent of Russia's natural gas production is located in the Arctic.

Defense officials, however, have reassured that despite the increased cooperation between Russia and China in recent years, their operations are still limited in scope. Iris Ferguson, the Defense Department's deputy assistant secretary for Arctic policy, commented on the superficial nature of the collaboration, stressing that true in-depth cooperation is yet to be achieved. Ferguson reiterated the importance of the strong relationships the U.S. maintains with its Arctic allies and partners.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Coast Guard reported the presence of several Chinese military ships in the Bering Sea, within the U.S. exclusive economic zone but in international waters. The Chinese vessels claimed to be conducting "freedom of navigation operations," according to the coast guard.

It remains to be seen how the cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic will evolve, but concerns persist as these two global powers explore their shared interests in the region. The situation in the Arctic holds tremendous implications for various aspects, including security, energy, and the environment, calling for a careful and vigilant approach from all involved parties.