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China's strategy in the Arctic: threatening or opportunistic?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 October 2015

Frédéric Lasserre ,
Linyan Huang  and
Olga V. Alexeeva
Frédéric Lasserre
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, Laval University, 2405 Terrasse St, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada ([email protected])
Linyan Huang
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, Laval University, 2405 Terrasse St, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada ([email protected])
Olga V. Alexeeva
Affiliation:
Department of History, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), CP 8888, succ. Centre ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
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Abstract

In a context of rapid climatic change in the Arctic, the fast melting of permafrost, the decline of glaciers and the melting of sea ice created perceived strategic and economic opportunities for the littoral states. The attention of states beyond the region was also attracted. For example China, without direct access to the Arctic, displays an interest in Arctic research, natural resources, and shipping potential. However, its diplomatic, economic, political and scientific efforts in this region arouse negative reactions among western media. They often draw up a portrait of an ambitious and arrogant China, ready to push aside the sovereignty of the Arctic countries to defend its own interests in the Arctic. From this perspective, it seems relevant to analyse China's activities in the region and to try to assess Beijing's strategy, which seems more driven by opportunism than by a long-term desire to challenge the littoral states’ sovereignty.

Type
Research Article
Information
Polar Record , Volume 53 , Issue 1 , January 2017 , pp. 31 - 42
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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