https://cdnph.upi.com/ph/st/th/6551786664732/2026/upi_com/6f0ce896dcf9be02fda8e2e4027bc76f/v1.5/China-pushes-Arctic-Ice-Silk-Road-to-cut-Europe-shipping-time.jpg" /> China is expanding its Arctic "Ice Silk Road," using shorter Europe routes and its shipbuilding strength as climate, safety and Russia risks persist.