China interested in developing port and railway infrastructure in the Arctic

Moscow (ANTARA) - China is not only interested in navigation through the Northern Sea Route (NSR), but also in the development of supporting infrastructure in Russian ports.

This statement was made by Russia’s Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, Alexey Chekunkov, to RIA Novosti in an interview ahead of the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum.

According to Chekunkov, more than 35 international container voyages between China and Russian ports in the Arctic region are expected to take place via the NSR through the end of 2026.

“Our Chinese partners are not only interested in navigation through the NSR, but also in the development of port infrastructure and the surrounding railway networks to support cargo transfer within the Far East transport corridor,” said Chekunkov.

“Priority is being given to the modernisation of existing cargo transfer facilities and the construction of new facilities, as well as the development of a sustainable cargo base and ensuring maritime safety,” Chekunkov added.

The Northern Sea Route is a unique and strategic waterway that extends along the northern coast of Russia.

Currently, demand for the Northern Sea Route continues to increase, not only from Russian shipping companies but also from foreign enterprises.

This interest is driven not only by the route being the shortest path between Europe and Asia, but also by the security situation in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.