Arctic Policy of the People’s Republic of China in terms of Chinese Sources: Snow Dragon in the High North Cover Image

Çin Kaynakları Açısından Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti’nin Arktik Politikası: Yüksek Kuzey’de Kar Dragonu
Arctic Policy of the People’s Republic of China in terms of Chinese Sources: Snow Dragon in the High North

Author(s): Atahan Birol Kartal, Nihat Dağıstan
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Atatürk Stratejik Araştırmalar Enstitüsü
Keywords: China; Arctic policy; Arctic power; White Paper; Polar Silk Road;

Summary/Abstract: The Arctic has become an important region due to the possibility of access to hydrocarbon resources and the formation of strategic maritime routes as a result of climate change. In this context, China published its policy document “White Paper” in 2018, expressing its intentions and aspirations about the Arctic. With this document, China has defined itself as a “near Arctic state” and aimed active participation in the Arctic issues. China, which deals with scientific research on the Arctic and the development of Arctic ports and transport corridors, emphasizes the importance of the “Polar Silk Road” as a part of the “Belt and Road Initiative”. In doing so, China develops strong diplomatic relations with the Arctic states, enabling new dimensions to the geopolitics of the region. China’s recent construction of icebreaker ships proves that it has long-term plans to become an “Arctic Power”. This article analyzes whether China’s Arctic goal is limited to access to the region or becoming a powerful actor with a decisive role in the region. The study also focuses on how this situation is perceived among other Arctic states. Finally, this article explores China’s Arctic policy, China’s interests in the Arctic region and its impacts in the light of the Neorealism Theory.

  • Issue Year: 16/2020
  • Issue No: 34
  • Page Range: 245-271
  • Page Count: 27
  • Language: Turkish