Like its high-latitude neighbours Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, Svalbard seems to be in China's sights. Indeed it now defines itself as a "near-Arctic" state and wants to establish a "Polar Silk Road". "If consolidated, the strategic presence could potentially embolden some... including great powers, with regional aspirations and become a real security challenge for host nation Norway." https://www.france24.com/en/li....ve-news/20220623-rus

France 24 (https://www.france24.com/en/li....ve-news/20220623-rus)
Russia and China eye NATO's 'Arctic Achilles heel'
Russian flags flap in the stiff polar breeze, a bust of Lenin looms out of the snow and a vast slogan declares, "Communism is our goal!"