The report, entitled 'China prepares for an ice-free Arctic', is
based on groundbreaking findings by a Western researcher on China's
evolving approach to the Arctic. The author, SIPRI's Beijing-based
Linda Jakobson, has used her unique access to Chinese officials,
scholars and primary sources to assess China's Arctic interests in:
(a) shortened trade routes to European and North American
markets, and (b) possible access to untapped natural
resources to fuel China's economy.
'China is slowly but steadily recognizing the commercial and
strategic opportunities that will arise from an ice-free Arctic',
explains Jakobson. 'A few Chinese researchers already question
China's natural sciences-approach to Arctic research and encourage
the Chinese Government to make comprehensive plans. These
researchers are critical of China's neutral position toward Arctic
politics. But the government does not want to alarm the Arctic
states and therefore is cautious in its Arctic policies.'
The prospect of the Arctic
being navigable during summer
months as a result of climate
change has impelled the
Chinese Government to
allocate more resources to
research in the High North.
Several Chinese academics have
encouraged their government
to be aware of the political,
economic and military
implications of shorter shipping
routes and untapped energy
resources. However, Chinese
officials advocate cautious
Arctic policies for fear of
causing alarm and provoking
countermeasures among the
Arctic states.
In China's eyes the Northern Sea Route raises the value
of Nordic countries
As China's economy relies on foreign trade-with nearly half of
its GDP dependent on shipping-there could be much to gain if the
shipping route from Shanghai to Hamburg is shortened by 6400 km
during the summer each year. With insurance costs on the
traditional route via the Suez Canal having risen more than tenfold
due to piracy, the Nordic countries could become China's new
gateway to Europe.
From China's viewpoint, an ice-free Arctic will increase the
value of close ties with the Nordic countries.
China seeks a more active role in the Arctic
Council
The Chinese Government has allocated extra resources to Arctic
research and decided to build a new high-tech polar expedition
ice-breaker. It also seeks a more active role in the Arctic
Council. China emphasizes that it would like to see any disputes
over sovereignty of continental shelves resolved peacefully and
through dialogue.
At the same time Beijing encourages Arctic states to consider
the common interests of mankind in the Arctic. Beijing can be
expected to stress this position in the future. Jakobson recommends
that Arctic Council nations actively engage Chinese officials and
academics on all aspects of the Arctic, from climate change and
maritime rescue operations to commercial shipping routes and
resource exploration.
Smaller Arctic Council members have an opportunity to lay the
foundation for a unique relationship with China by engaging Chinese
officials and academics on Arctic issues-ranging from climate
change and maritime rescue operations to commercial shipping routes
and resource exploration.
Linda Jakobson is the Acting Programme Director and
Beijing-based Senior Researcher of the China and Global Security
Programme of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
(SIPRI). Jakobson has lived and worked in China for over 15 years
and published six books on Chinese politics, foreign policy, and
East Asian society. Jakobson's research at SIPRI focuses on China's
foreign and security policy as well as regional security issues in
North East Asia.
The report can be downloaded from here