Canada Warns of Rising Russian and Chinese Espionage in the Arctic
Canada warns that Russia and China are intensifying intelligence operations in the Arctic, targeting both government institutions and the private sector.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to The Guardian.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has reported a significant increase in Russian and Chinese intelligence activity in the Arctic.
CSIS Director Dan Rogers emphasized that both countries are showing “significant intelligence interest” in the region and are increasingly resorting to both cyber and traditional espionage methods targeting Canadian government structures and strategically important private sectors.
Their increased activity comes amid intensifying competition for Arctic shipping routes, critical minerals, and military presence.
In response, Canada is increasing investment in northern infrastructure and defense, from new icebreakers to the potential acquisition of patrol submarines. The country is also launching a billion-dollar fund for the development of ports, airports, and roads, while conducting large-scale military exercises with its allies.
It should be recalled that Canada previously announced that it was considering the use of Ukrainian air and underwater drones to enhance security in the Arctic and was moving from a model of aid to long-term defense investments in Ukraine. Canadian companies are already working on joint projects with Ukrainian manufacturers, including cooperation in the field of drones and armored vehicles.
The Arctic is changing rapidly due to global warming, opening up new sea routes and access to natural resources. For Russia, the Arctic is an extremely strategic region, as it owns more than half of the Arctic coastline and derives a significant exports from the region.
Moscow has made sweeping territorial claims, invested in oil and gas production, built LNG plants, and sought to turn the Northern Sea Route into a year-round route between Europe and Asia. To protect and expand its influence, Russia has rebuilt Soviet military bases, deployed Arctic brigades to control sea lanes, and reinforced its Northern Fleet with nuclear submarines.
According to Politico earlier this year, due to Russia`s threats in the Arctic Canada is rapidly stepping up defense cooperation with its northern NATO allies, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. Ottawa is exploring alternatives such as Sweden's Gripen, signing defense and industrial partnerships, and launching a joint Finnish-Canadian shipbuilding venture to produce icebreakers.
As The Gaze reported earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia is actively conducting espionage and cyberattacks against Alliance member states in an attempt to undermine their security and support for Ukraine.
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