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China and Russia see Arctic sea route gain as Suez faces disruption
The Northern Sea Route runs about 5,600 km along Russia’s Arctic coast, offering an alternative between Europe and Asia as Red Sea disruptions have pressured the Suez Canal.
South China Morning Post reports the Northern Sea Route has grown in strategic importance for global shipping after Chinese container ships began using the lane around three years ago.
The outlet links the shift to disruptions in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks on commercial vessels later affected traffic through the Suez Canal, described as the fastest Europe to Asia route.
The article also points to climate change, saying polar ice melt is making parts of the Russian Arctic coast route more accessible during periods when it used to be largely impassable.
In addition to the shipping-time alternative, the piece cites Russian oil and gas projects in the region, alongside ongoing conflicts and piracy disruptions affecting the Suez Canal, as factors boosting interest from Chinese firms.