THE ICE SILK ROAD: PROSPECTS FOR RUSSIAN-CHINESE COOPERATION

The article examines the prospects for Russian-Chinese cooperation within the framework of the Ice Silk Road concept, which is associated with the development of Arctic shipping and the use of the Northern Sea Route. The place of the Ice Silk Road within the broader Belt and Road Initiative is also explored. Particular attention is paid to the strategic interests of Russia and China: for Russia, this project is significant as an instrument for developing northern territories, strengthening transport sovereignty, and expanding export opportunities in the energy sector; for China, it serves as a means of diversifying trade routes, increasing the resilience of foreign economic ties, and strengthening its international status. The article notes that the Northern Sea Route has the potential to reduce cargo delivery times between Asia and Europe and to decrease dependence on traditional southern routes. It examines the problems hindering the development of the Ice Silk Road, including harsh natural and climatic conditions, insufficient infrastructure, high transportation costs, legal uncertainties, sanctions-related restrictions, and environmental risks. Promising areas of cooperation are identified, including the modernization of Arctic ports, the development of icebreaker and Arctic fleets, the implementation of energy projects, the digitalization of navigation, joint scientific research, environmental monitoring, the formation of sustainable financial mechanisms, and other areas of interaction. The article concludes that the Ice Silk Road does not replace traditional routes but can become an important additional corridor of Eurasian logistics, provided that the interests of the parties are aligned and Arctic infrastructure is developed comprehensively.