Arctic Narratives and Political Values: Arctic States, China, Nato, and the Eu

This, in turn, paints a more meaningful picture of Arctic political discourse, shedding light on the per- ceptions that each country is trying to promote about itself and how it may behave accordingly. [...] Growing Canadian concerns have also arisen with respect to Chinese scientific research in the Arctic as a vector for influence and the acquisition of dual-use information. [...] First, Canada stresses that, ‘as an Arctic nation’, it is ‘conscious that powers in the Indo-Pacific region are looking to the Arctic as a region of opportunity’. [...] Copenhagen’s Arctic focus tends to revolve around practical considerations of economic growth, defence, and security in the region, while also using Arctic forums as a backdrop for its broader push to address climate change. [...] Recognising the need to cooperate, Denmark has committed to sharing intelligence and analysis on security issues in a ‘respectful, inclusive approach’.63 Region The governments of both Denmark and Greenland recognise the Arctic Council as the most important intergovernmental forum for Arctic governance. [...] Denmark has also been broadly supportive of Chinese involvement in Greenland and was an early supporter of China’s application for accredit- ed observer status on the Arctic Council. [...] Accordingly, Swedish narratives calling for a response to the deterioration of the natural and security environments in the Arctic are both about Sweden’s own security, but also about the economic and geopolitical shifts in the circumpolar region, with which Sweden is now engaging. [...] Accordingly, its 2020 Arctic strategy is rooted in the idea that international cooperation and confidence-build- ing measures contribute to collective security and stability. [...] Furthermore, China is actively developing and delivering on Arctic capability to enhance its presence in the Arctic. [...] A champion for the development of a com- munity with a shared future for mankind, China is an active participant, builder and contributor in Arctic affairs who has spared no efforts to contribute its wisdom to the development of the Arctic region.