ABSTRACT
This chapter explores Chinese scientific engagement with the Arctic region and its efforts to establish an integrated Arctic space, atmosphere, land, ice, and underwater multidimensional scientific observation and monitoring network. In doing so, the chapter introduces the most important Chinese domestic scientific and academic institutions engaged in studying the Arctic region, as well as the Chinese Arctic field monitoring infrastructure. This infrastructure comprises various in situ research platforms and remote sensing capabilities, such as stations, icebreakers, unmanned systems, and polar-orbiting satellites. Furthermore, the chapter also discusses Chinese Arctic social science research and some of the challenges faced by the Chinese polar observing program. The remainder of the chapter considers the implications of Chinese Arctic science, including an analysis of the importance of this scientific engagement to the PRC, specifically in terms of advancing China’s ecological security and the impacts of Arctic environmental changes, the expansion of its international scientific networks, and contributions to Arctic identity building.
