How Russia and China are reshaping shipping routes

The intensifying cooperation between Russia and China on Arctic shipping represents a strategic response to multiple convergent geopolitical and economic pressures.

This partnership, formalized through their joint committee on Northern Sea Route development, positions both nations to potentially transform global maritime trade patterns, though significant operational and infrastructural challenges persist.

The Ukraine conflict has accelerated Russia’s pivot toward China, with 95% of international Arctic transit traffic now flowing between these two nations. Western sanctions have effectively created an exclusive Russo-Chinese shipping corridor, insulated from traditional maritime alliances.