Part 2/6:
With climate change contributing to the melting ice, the Arctic route offers a feasible alternative to conventional shipping lanes. Historically, trade between Asia and Europe took up to 35 days through the Suez Canal. However, the Arctic passage now allows ships to traverse this distance in under 20 days, providing a significant logistical advantage.
This newfound route allows vessels to bypass the congested chokepoints of the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and the Suez Canal, which could be vulnerable to Chinese military actions in the event of conflict with the U.S. The advantages of the Arctic passage are not solely economic; they have serious implications for military strategy as well.