The United States needs to "up its game" in the Arctic and deal with an increasingly important and developing part of the world, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said earlier this week, as a warming Arctic opens up new sea lanes and oil and minerals reserves.

"Certainly America's got to up its game in the Arctic. There's no doubt about that," Mattis told reporters in Alaska before leaving Monday for his Asia trip.

Mattis said part of that endeavor would involve an increased coast guard presence.