Putin
Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks at a news conference after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Ufa, Russia, July 10, 2015. Reuters/Sergei Karpukhin

Russia is eyeing China to be its partner in the construction of railways for cargo transport in the Arctic or Northern Sea Route. Furthermore, the country also finished the preparation of six new military bases throughout the Arctic -- a move seen to reiterate the country’s military presence back in the Cold War.

"Integrated development of the Northern Sea Route guarantees the security of year-round cargo shipments both foreign and domestic," RT quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin at the Arctic Forum on Monday.

"In fact, we can say now that this is not just the economic Silk Road but the cool Silk Road," he added.

The minister also encouraged responsible government agencies over the project to resort to new technology to ensure full year operations for the route. Rogozin said that they have all the technological opportunities necessary for the project.

Russian news agency Tass reported that Russia just completed equipping its military basis in the Arctic. The preparations included packing the bases with materials and amenities important in ensuring long-term deployments for military personnel in the region. The six bases are placed all throughout Russia, including along the northern shore of the country and outlying Arctic islands. Specifically, the bases are positioned in Nagurskoye, Rogachevo, Sredny Ostrov, Temp, Mys Shmidta, and Zvyozdny.

"According to the General Staff’s execution documents, the work for the deployment and equipment of six military bases on the Arctic islands and in the polar part of mainland Russia is completed," Tass quoted a source familiar to the matter. Given the bases are ready already; Moscow should start deploying "hundreds of Russian military servicemen" to the locations beginning in 2016.

Russia has been working on re-establishing its military presence throughout the Arctic, just like it did during the Cold War. Moscow also plans to open 16 deep-water ports, 13 airfields, 10 Arctic search-and-rescue stations and 10 air-defence radar stations.

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