Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have raised concerns regarding China's military research activities in the Arctic. They addressed these issues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, highlighting potential national security risks posed by Chinese dual-use military research in Iceland and Norway.

The lawmakers expressed their worries about how these activities could affect NATO allies and U.S. interests. "Both the [People’s Republic of China] and Russia are expanding their military operations in the Arctic," they wrote. "The region is an operational zone for the deployment of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. For the United States and NATO, maintaining a strategic advantage in the Arctic strengthens the effectiveness of our nuclear deterrence."

The letter also underlined that the Arctic's strategic location is crucial for early warning systems, missile defense, and potentially intercepting missile attacks due to its position at key air and missile routes between North America and Eurasia.

Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi acknowledged ongoing efforts to counter this threat but sought further clarity from Secretaries Austin and Blinken on several points:

- The assessment of national security risks posed by PRC dual-use research in Svalbard, Iceland, and other Nordic locations.

- Engagements with private Western buyers interested in purchasing land in Svalbard after Norway halted a sale to China.

- Discussions with Norwegian, Icelandic, or Swedish governments regarding concerns over PRC dual-use research.

- Steps that can be taken by the U.S. and NATO allies to address access to sensitive technologies and data collected in this region.

Further details on this development can be found on Newsweek's website.