Warming US-Russia ties could put China’s Arctic ambitions on ice, experts warn
China is expected to redefine its Arctic policy, aiming to become a major polar power by 2030, amidst increased scrutiny from Arctic nations and potential US-Russia cooperation in the region. This shift comes after China introduced its "Polar Silk Road" plan in 2018, seeking greater access to Arctic resources and a larger role in its governance, which sparked suspicion and concern among the US, its allies, and Arctic countries like Russia.
Since the initial unveiling of its Arctic ambitions, China has shifted its focus towards science diplomacy, emphasizing the construction of icebreakers and polar research. This adjustment is partly due to geopolitical tensions and a desire to address concerns raised by other nations regarding China's self-proclaimed status as a "near-Arctic state" and its broader strategic intentions in the region. Experts suggest that China is now taking a more pragmatic approach to its Arctic involvement, potentially scaling back some of its more ambitious goals.
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China is expected to redefine its Arctic policy, aiming to become a major polar power by 2030, amidst increased scrutiny from Arctic nations and potential US-Russia cooperation in the region. This shift comes after China introduced its "Polar Silk Road" plan in 2018, seeking greater access to Arctic resources and a larger role in its governance, which sparked suspicion and concern among the US, its allies, and Arctic countries like Russia.
Since the initial unveiling of its Arctic ambitions, China has shifted its focus towards science diplomacy, emphasizing the construction of icebreakers and polar research. This adjustment is partly due to geopolitical tensions and a desire to address concerns raised by other nations regarding China's self-proclaimed status as a "near-Arctic state" and its broader strategic intentions in the region. Experts suggest that China is now taking a more pragmatic approach to its Arctic involvement, potentially scaling back some of its more ambitious goals.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
