China’s Arctic Agenda: Historical Aspects and Strategic Goals

Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. Asian and African Studies. 2025. Vol. 17. No. 1. P. 183–195.

Strelnikova I., Kharina O.

Climatic changes in the Arctic increasingly render the commercial development of this

region as a tangible reality. The potential value of the Arctic, in terms of energy resources,

strategic shipping routes, and military tactical significance, has pivoted it as a focus for

competition amongst various nations. The prominence of Arctic concerns has been escalating

in international political discourse. Through initiatives such as the Polar Silk Road

and its 2018 Arctic white paper, China has integrated Arctic development into its broader

global agenda, including the Belt and Road Initiative. By emphasizing cooperation, environmental

preservation, and sustainable development, China aims to position itself as a

constructive and influential participant in Arctic affairs. Numerous countries are engaged

in Arctic research, formation of strategic policies, and amplifying their regional presence

to secure advantageous stances within this competition. In May 2013, China, was granted

observer status in the Arctic Council, an international entity committed to monitoring

and conserving the polar region’s natural environment. Notwithstanding their geographic

distance, China harbors significant interest in the Arctic due to its strategic importance,

resource abundance, and the implications it presents for international relations and climate

change. The Arctic agenda of China is intricate and multifaceted, shaped by a variety of

factors such as economic, strategic, and environmental considerations. China is progressively

participating in Arctic governance, with China’s interest being dominantly driven

by economic security and development. The objective of this study is to examine China’s

historical Arctic policy.

Keywords: Китай, Арктика, China, ЕС, EU, Arctic, Арктическая политика Китая