China retreating from Arctic goals, says SCMP
A recent shift in Russia-US relations and the possibility of their cooperation could have implications for Beijing's interests in the Arctic, according to reports. China is anticipated to adjust its Arctic policy, stepping back from its goal...
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A recent shift in Russia-US relations and the possibility of their cooperation could have implications for Beijing's interests in the Arctic, according to reports.
China is anticipated to adjust its Arctic policy, stepping back from its goal of becoming a major polar power by 2030, as noted by the South China Morning Post, which cited sources familiar with the situation. This change occurs alongside increased scrutiny from Arctic nations and the potential for collaboration between the US and Russia in the region.
Beijing first presented its vision for a "Polar Silk Road" in a 2018 white paper, framing it as an extension of its Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative was seen as a pathway to enhanced access to the Arctic's wealth of natural resources and a greater role in the governance of the area, as reported by the SCMP on Sunday.
However, China's self-designation as a "near-Arctic state," despite its distance of 1,400 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle and lack of territorial claims, received backlash from Arctic nations, particularly Russia, which controls a substantial portion of the region’s coastline and has historically prioritized safeguarding its sovereignty.
“The Chinese interest was really first announced quite aggressively in the white paper [with] the term near-Arctic state that everybody seems to have had problems with,” the insider noted to the SCMP. Subsequently, China has moved away from using this terminology, indicating a retreat or significant reduction in its Arctic ambitions, according to the source.
Reports suggest that Beijing has redirected its efforts towards developing heavy icebreakers and conducting polar research while scaling back its broader aspirations in the region.
This development coincides with recent discussions between the US and Russia about potential economic collaboration in the Arctic as part of ongoing bilateral engagements.
Nonetheless, some analysts argue that China’s ongoing investments in heavy icebreaker construction reflect that its interest in the Arctic remains strong.
“I believe China is still very interested in many of the opportunities that exist to become more involved in Arctic science and commerce,” stated Duncan Depledge, an Arctic expert and lecturer in geopolitics and security at Loughborough University in the UK, in comments to the outlet.
The deepening partnership between China and Russia, fueled by shared challenges posed by the US in recent years, led to a "no-limits" alliance with Moscow, as outlined in the report.
However, recent changes in US President Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine—including calls for a ceasefire and improved relations with Moscow—have introduced uncertainty for Beijing, according to Depledge. Trump has expressed interest in Arctic matters, and a potential agreement between the US and Russia on regional cooperation could emerge from the negotiations surrounding Ukraine.
Challenges may arise for China if Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reach an agreement concerning the Arctic, as Depledge suggested. In such a scenario, Russia would need to navigate whether to align with China, collaborate with Trump, or seek to balance relations with both parties.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
China is anticipated to adjust its Arctic policy, stepping back from its goal of becoming a major polar power by 2030, as noted by the South China Morning Post, which cited sources familiar with the situation. This change occurs alongside increased scrutiny from Arctic nations and the potential for collaboration between the US and Russia in the region.
Beijing first presented its vision for a "Polar Silk Road" in a 2018 white paper, framing it as an extension of its Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative was seen as a pathway to enhanced access to the Arctic's wealth of natural resources and a greater role in the governance of the area, as reported by the SCMP on Sunday.
However, China's self-designation as a "near-Arctic state," despite its distance of 1,400 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle and lack of territorial claims, received backlash from Arctic nations, particularly Russia, which controls a substantial portion of the region’s coastline and has historically prioritized safeguarding its sovereignty.
“The Chinese interest was really first announced quite aggressively in the white paper [with] the term near-Arctic state that everybody seems to have had problems with,” the insider noted to the SCMP. Subsequently, China has moved away from using this terminology, indicating a retreat or significant reduction in its Arctic ambitions, according to the source.
Reports suggest that Beijing has redirected its efforts towards developing heavy icebreakers and conducting polar research while scaling back its broader aspirations in the region.
This development coincides with recent discussions between the US and Russia about potential economic collaboration in the Arctic as part of ongoing bilateral engagements.
Nonetheless, some analysts argue that China’s ongoing investments in heavy icebreaker construction reflect that its interest in the Arctic remains strong.
“I believe China is still very interested in many of the opportunities that exist to become more involved in Arctic science and commerce,” stated Duncan Depledge, an Arctic expert and lecturer in geopolitics and security at Loughborough University in the UK, in comments to the outlet.
The deepening partnership between China and Russia, fueled by shared challenges posed by the US in recent years, led to a "no-limits" alliance with Moscow, as outlined in the report.
However, recent changes in US President Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine—including calls for a ceasefire and improved relations with Moscow—have introduced uncertainty for Beijing, according to Depledge. Trump has expressed interest in Arctic matters, and a potential agreement between the US and Russia on regional cooperation could emerge from the negotiations surrounding Ukraine.
Challenges may arise for China if Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reach an agreement concerning the Arctic, as Depledge suggested. In such a scenario, Russia would need to navigate whether to align with China, collaborate with Trump, or seek to balance relations with both parties.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
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