ABSTRACT
China, along with India, South Korea, and three other countries, was granted observer status by the Arctic Council in 2013. Later, China showed pro-active stance and became the first non-circumpolar country to unveil a full-fledged Arctic Policy in 2018. This chapter also discusses about a new generation of nuclear-fuelled icebreaker that, jointly with the new climate change pattern, enables the navigation of the route for a considerably longer period of time throughout the year. The chapter also examines China’s role in the Arctic region on economic and strategic parameters, and deciphers its interpretations and contextual understanding of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea. The Polar Silk Road was conceptualised as part of the BRI in 2018, and hence China’s Arctic Policy holds immense significance in geopolitical and geo-economic discourse. The policy clearly points out China’s urge, as a non-circumpolar country, to play a larger role in the rule-making and interpretation of international law pertinent to the Arctic. In fact, China is involved in scientific research and shipping and connectivity related projects in the Arctic. This chapter delves deep into understanding such nuances and the evolving role of China in the Arctic region.
