China and the Arctic Identify the cooperation

from its perception as the threatening “Snow

Dragon”Sophie Cheng

Why is it importantChina increasingly engage and rapid

developmemnt in the Arctic Science research, commercial activities

and tourism

the Arctic Council Observer

The Arctic in the China perspectives

Political approach and Arctic strategy:- China’s maritime strategy and grand strategy- Denied the existence of a clear-cut “Arctic strategy” - Has neither Arctic coast nor the Arctic Council membership- Reshaping its Arctic policies with more resources devoted to Arctic research and politics- project a nonaggressive image; being interested merely in scientific research and environmental protection in the Arctic development

Jurisdiction consideration:- With clear statements that the country respects the territorial rights of Arctic countries; UNCLOS - Adopt a low-profile tactic through avoiding confrontation from major littoral states

Regional interests and economic considerations - Arctic seaways to explore new areas of economic growth

Regional interests

the Northern Sea Route (NSR): - potential political instability along the existing route- cuts the voyage from Shanghai to Hamburg by 6,400km (4,000 miles) compared with the southern journey through the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal.

Oil and gas: potential undiscovered reserves in the Arctic accounted for 13% and 30% of respective world potential reserves, with 80% of them located offshore.

Minerals: gold, copper, iron, lead, platinum, nickel, zinc, diamonds, etc. The coal reserve in the Arctic accounts for 9% of the world total.

Fishery: “the major biological protein bank in the world”

Arctic scientific research to build up knowledge reserves and technological innovation for the country’s long-term development

Are these China’s intentions posing a threat to the Arctic?

Other actors’ perceptions

How actors perceive China involvement and engagement in the Arctic?

With reference to these players’ preferences, is China a good partner in the Arctic?

“realist informed approach to China’s rise, typically advocated by analysts in the USA, is found in the so called “China threat” theory (Shih and Yin 2013: 60, Lanteigne 2013: 4-5, 33, Ross 2005). … the PRC is usually portrayed as representing a “danger” to the West with respect to the following dimensions: militarily, economically and politically/ideologically (Yang and Liu 2012: 697)”

“As China and Russia boost their military presence in the resource-rich far north, U.S. intelligence agencies are scrambling to study potential threats in the Arctic for the first time since the Cold War, a sign of the region's growing strategic importance.”

Denmark: China has “natural and legitimate economic and scientific interests in the Arctic.”

Canada: takes advantage of China’s potential interest in shipping routes and gains bargaining power in the negotiation with the US

USA: no official cooperation with China; “China threat”, the potential for rivalry exists everywhere

Russia: China and Russia are stepping up their cooperation on natural resource extraction in the Russian Arctic; “A state has no eternal friends or allies, only eternal interests.”;

Finland: no specific cooperation but recognizes China is a major export markets (maritime technology ) Sweden: broad international acceptance of the role of the Arctic Council Norway: recognizes that China is becoming a key player in issues related to the Arctic

Iceland: comprehensive cooperation with China, from political interests to Fisheries Potential.

India: Arctic attractions for India – exactly the same with those for China; political influence in the region; EEZ; oil and gas; and sea routes

South Korea: is dependent on foreign energy resources; exports are an important component of their GDP; *the cooperation and competition*China: confronting challenges from the East Asia region and Arctic countries; encouraging competition and arguably promoting improvements Japan: shares similar strategical position with South Korea and China; *the cooperation and competition*

Singapore: is an important link in the global marine transport network (Strait of Malacca)and a substantial part of its income depends on the functioning of this network

Environmental protection and conservation organisations

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)- Promoting sustainable development and ecosystem-based management- 29 members

However: the oil drilling intention- “In February this year, the foreign ministers of India, China and Russia met in Beijing. The three ministers highlighted the potential for cooperation in oil and natural gas production, which raises the question of whether India and China could partner with Russia in exploring the mineral wealth …”

- “An Icelandic environmental group poured cold water over the Arctic nation's dreams of becoming an oil-producer Wednesday, following the approval of a Chinese-led exploration bid off the country's north coast.”

Arctic Indigenous Peoples

Criticisms: International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) and Indigenous peoples in China- “The Chinese (PRC) government does not recognize the term “indigenous peoples”, and representatives of China’s ethnic minorities have not readily identified themselves as indigenous peoples, and have rarely participated in international meetings related to indigenous peoples’ issues.”

The Chinese government’s proposition and attitude are doubtful

No explicit and foreseeable cooperation between Chinese officers and the Arctic indigenous groups/ permanent participants of the Arctic Council

Other political or cultural Criticisms

Chinese Arctic and Antarctica Administration (CAA): - Affiliated to the State Oceanic Administration (SOA)

Chinese government envisages the Arctic issue in the “polar region”, “maritime affair” sense/ lens

Does not acknowledge the Arctic has different context compare with the Antarctica and thus not being sensitive enough

the Chinese government views the existing legal order and governance mechanisms

the Challenge: lingering worries from others countries

International cooperation and the Arctic Council

The bigger picture: China’s foreign policy agenda

“not sated but clear” attitude and position on the Arctic

what enhanced policy exchange and shared governance should the Arctic Council implements in order to ensure China, as a growing and rising participant, is on the “right track”

The future prospects of the Arctic Council

Strengthen linkages between China and indigenous peoples

Any Questions?