NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Military Effort Amid Growing Threats From China, Russia

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addresses the Security and Defence Committee at the European Parliament in Brussels, on Jan. 26, 2026. Virginia Mayo/AP PhotoNATO’s military command launched a wide-scale military exercise in the Arctic and High North regions on Feb. 11 as concerns grow over China and Russia’s threat to the area.“In the face of Russia’s increased military activity, and China’s growing interest in the High North, it was crucial that we do more, which is why we have just two hours ago launched Arctic Sentry,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in his announcement at a press conference at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels.