China's Arctic Ambitions and Navigating Sino-Russian Cooperation

In today's episode, we'll examine China’s ambitions in the Arctic and the growing importance of Sino-Russian cooperation in the region.
The Arctic is undergoing profound change. Climate change is reducing sea ice coverage, creating new opportunities for shipping, resource extraction, infrastructure development, and military activity. Russia views the Arctic as central to its economic future and national security. China doesn’t border the Arctic, but it is a permanent observer in the Arctic Council and has increasingly sought a role in Arctic governance, scientific research, shipping, and energy development. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has transformed Moscow's relationships with both Western countries and Beijing, raising new questions about the future of Arctic cooperation and competition. 

How aligned are Chinese and Russian interests in the region? What are the prospects for commercial development along the Northern Sea Route and elsewhere in the Arctic? And what challenges and opportunities do these developments present for the United States and its allies? 

To help us understand these issues, we're joined by Elizabeth Wishnick, Senior Research Scientist in China Studies at CNA and Distinguished Fellow at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University. She is one of the leading experts on China's Arctic policy, Sino-Russian relations, and the geopolitical implications of a changing Arctic.  

[00:00] Introduction 

[01:49] How China’s Interests in the Arctic Have Evolved

[05:04] Which Arctic Actors are Receptive to a Larger Chinese Role?  

[08:19] Unpacking China-Russia Cooperation 

[13:33] Russian Invasion of Ukraine Impact on Chinese Involvement 

[15:32] Benefitting from Northern Sea Route 

[19:40] Arctic Energy Cooperation 

[22:47] US Asian Partners View Arctic Security Governance?

[24:51] Shifting US Policies and Priorities in the Arctic 

[26:04] What to Watch in the Arctic