How China’s Arctic policy paper has warmed the atmosphere with international observers

Nong Hong says China’s new white paper spelling out the nation’s intentions for the Arctic relieves some concerns over transparency and conformity to international rule of law. Yet, some issues, like potential sovereignty disputes with Canada and naval manoeuvres, could still prove troublesome

Reading Time:3 minutes

Members of China's 34th Antarctic expedition pose on the deck of China's research icebreaker Xue Long (Snow Dragon) on January 15. The ship has also been used to make voyages to the Arctic. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 12:03pm, 14 Feb 2018Updated: 7:24pm, 14 Feb 2018

China issued its official Arctic policy in a January 26 white paper. The paper prompted overwhelming praise among Chinese media and academics, along with much discussion among foreign observers, especially in member states of the Arctic Council.

Five states in Asia – China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and India – received observer status to the council in 2013.

Japan, South Korea and Singapore quickly proceeded to issue their Arctic strategy (India almost never issues formal papers outlining policy objectives). Attention has since turned to China, which received considerable amounts of advice and calls, from academics at home and abroad, to articulate its own Arctic policy for the sake of transparency.

The white paper is, on one hand, the outcome of policymakers’ careful deliberation, and on the other reflects the long-standing expectations of researchers, countries and international organisations involved in Arctic governance, which China has been involved in for some time. The recent expansion of its role has invited international suspicion as to its intentions in the Arctic, especially from council member states.

The paper has been issued at the right time to reduce this scepticism and provide strategic guidelines for its participation in Arctic governance.

Researchers look out from the MSV Nordica as the sun sets over sea ice floating on the Victoria Strait along the Northwest Passage in June 2017. The Chinese white paper on its policy towards the Arctic, which scientists say is heating up twice as fast as the rest of the planet, won some praise for its emphasis on the environment. Photo: AP