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China's Arctic turn: Reasons, developments, perspectives

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  • Paul, Michael

Abstract

Apart from several infrastructure projects which ultimately failed, and a surprise visit by the icebreaker Xuelong off the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk, the People's Republic of China has long maintained a cautious and reserved presence in the Arctic in the shadow of Russia and its fleet of icebreakers. But in July and August 2024, three icebreakers - Xuelong 2, Ji Di and Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di - made China's growing presence felt in the Arctic for the first time ever. Beijing is thus signalling more ambitious intentions, and the construction of a heavy icebreaker could enable China to establish a permanent presence in the Arctic Ocean. This development reached a peculiar climax in October 2024, when the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti ran the headline: "The Arctic is becoming Chinese." What are the reasons and implications of China's Arctic turn?

Suggested Citation

  • Paul, Michael, 2025. "China's Arctic turn: Reasons, developments, perspectives," SWP Comments 8/2025, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:swpcom:315534
    DOI: 10.18449/2025C08
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