The 2024 Arctic Strategy released by the US Department of Defense states that "The People's Republic of China (PRC), which remains DOD's pacing challenge, seeks increasing access and influence in the Arctic." The cooperation between China and another "threat" - Russia - has "implications for the security of the US and our allies and partners." Therefore, the US believes that Finland and Sweden joining NATO is historic, bringing all like-minded Arctic states into NATO and providing and presenting new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.
