The report written by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute was released in Oslo on Monday. The author of the report has studied how Beijing officials’ Arctic interests have changed and how China now recognizes the commercial and strategic opportunities that will arise from an ice-free Arctic.
- A few Chinese researchers already question China’s natural sciences-approach to Arctic research and encourage the Chinese Government to make comprehensive plans, says the author of the report, Bejing-based Linda Jakobson. She continues: - These researchers are critical of China’s neutral position toward Arctic politics. But the government does not want to alarm the Arctic states and therefore is cautious in its Arctic policies.
The two main interests of China in the Arctic are: Shortened trade routes and possible access to the untapped natural resources to fuel China’s economy.
Read also: First oil shipment planned for Northern Sea Route
The report says the Chinese Government has allocated extra resources to Arctic research and decided to build a new high-tech polar expedition ice-breaker.
The important shipping route from Shanghai to Hamburg is shortened by 6400 km during the summer each year. With insurance costs on the traditional route via the Suez Canal having risen more than tenfold due to piracy, the Northern Sea Route along Siberia’s northern coast could become China’s new gateway to Europe.
The report reads: From China’s viewpoint, an ice-free Arctic will increase the value of close ties with the Nordic countries. From Asia, the Northern Sea Route ends up in the Barents Sea and the vessels will have to sail along the coast of Norway before they reach the trading ports in central Europe.
Read also: Welcome to the new Arctic
The research for the Sipri report, entitled “China prepares for an ice-free Arctic” is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
