ИСТИНА

The Russian Federation, which has the longest coastline among the countries bordering the Arctic Ocean, is the leading country regarding energy resources and the Northern sea route (NSR) as the potential new trade route. As a non-Arctic country, China shows great interest in Arctic resources, sea routes, and infrastructurally developing the region. China's growing interest and Russia's leading role in the Arctic improve general bilateral relations in the region. For Russia, China's economic strength means providing financial and technological opportunities to contribute to the region's development. On the other hand, Russia helps China participate in Arctic affairs and potentially benefit from the NSR. Western sanctions imposed after the Ukrainian crisis have significantly affected Russia's efforts to develop oil and gas resources in the Arctic. Having already aimed to strengthen its relations with China, Russia continued this goal after the western sanctions. In this context, Russia has invited China to participate in one of its most prestigious energy projects, Yamal LNG. As it turned out, the need for Russia to diversify its partners in the Arctic Region coincides with the need for China to be more active in the region, creating conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation with these partners. As long as the two countries' national interests do not conflict, they can act together in the region as good partners.