TOKYO -- Russia has long dreamed of becoming a superpower in the High North, thanks to its 24,000 km coastline on the Arctic Ocean.
The Northern Sea Route, which runs along Russia's Arctic coast, is considered the shortest available shipping path between Asia and Europe. Leveraging its geography, Moscow requires all vessels sailing the route to be piloted by Russians, charges tolls and requires ships -- including warships -- to provide advance notice of their passage plans.
