cover image: U.S. Policymakers Should Remain Wary of Chinese Ambitions in the Arctic

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U.S. Policymakers Should Remain Wary of Chinese Ambitions in the Arctic

28 Jul 2022

Respecting the national sovereignty of others in the Arctic while maintaining the ability to enforce one’s own sovereignty will ensure that the chances of armed conflict in the region remain low. [...] China calls for stronger international cooperation on infrastructure construction and operation of the Arctic routes.33 The goal of the polar silk road is to complement China’s BRI—a vast trading network being constructed by China on the Eurasian landmass and beyond—by investing in and constructing major infrastructure projects along the emerging sea lanes in the Arctic.34 So, it is no surprise th. [...] According to a recent report by the service, “The Danish Realm is particularly vulnerable to any exploitation by Chinese or Russian intelligence services of controversial issues to create tension in or between the three parts of the Danish Realm or to complicate relations with allies, especially the USA.”49 Underscoring the importance that China places on its presence in Ice- land, the Chinese emb. [...] The Arctic is one of the few areas where Russia retains the upper hand in its dealings with China, and despite the need for Chinese investment and economic symbiosis in the Arctic, Russia is wary of allowing China undue access to a region it deems critical to national security. [...] However, as the Arctic Council makes clear, “Decisions at all levels in the Arctic Council are the exclusive right and responsibility of the eight Arctic States with the involvement of the Permanent Participants.” See Arctic Council, “Arctic Council Observers,” Council%20observers&text=Observers%20may%20propose%20project.
Pages
15
Published in
United States of America