To what extent might China and Russia form partnerships in the Arctic region? In this paper, the authors offer their expert insights on the state of the Sino-Russian relationship regarding the Arctic region, how that relationship might evolve by 2035, and its implications for nations with Arctic interests.
Authors
- Division
- RAND National Security Research Division International Security and Defense Policy Program
- Pages
- 20
- Published in
- United States
- RAND Identifier
- PE-A2823-1
- RAND Type
- commentary
- Rights
- RAND Corporation
- Series
- Expert Insights
- Source
- https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA2823-1.html
Table of Contents
- Arctic exceptionalism 2
- The relationship between Russia and China has emerged as a central question to the Arctics uncertain future and the United States security and interests. 2
- Arctic Opening Has Fueled Chinas Interest in the Region 3
- Arctic Policy 4
- The Arctic is rich in culture and resources features logistical shortcuts and might offer food water and bearable living conditions in a hotter future when situations worsen at lower latitudes. 4
- China Has Sought Partnership Opportunities from Across the Arctic Gaining the Most Traction in Russia 5
- Several Options for How the Sino- Russian Arctic Relationship Could Evolve 7
- China has not written a blank check for Russia to develop its Siberian energy reserves. 7
- Politics and Supply-and-Demand Economics Will Influence the Degree of Warmth Between China and Russia in the Arctic 10
- If their relationship was purely economic Moscow and Beijing would neither be operating warships together near Alaska nor signing a maritime law enforcement partnership. 11
- Conclusion Western Arctic Nations Could Maintain an Upper Hand by Decoupling Russia and China in Regional Policies 12
- The growing presence of China in the Arctic as a Russian partner has led to a rare situation in which two competitiveand potentially hostilestates are in very close proximity to North America. 12
- The future of Chinas Arctic cooperation may rest as much or even more in the decisions that the United States and its like-minded regional partners make than the decisions that Russia makes. 13
- Notes 14
- References 16
- Acknowledgments 18
- About the Authors 19
