(iPoster) Russia-Ukraine Conflicts for China’s Engagement with the Arctic (2014-2024)

• In Event: Poster Sessions: Political Methodology & Foreign Policy I – Great Power Competition and Strategic Rivalry
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Foreign Policy I – Great Power Competition and Strategic Rivalry

Abstract

The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine from 2014 to 2024 have provided a significant opportunity for China to boost its engagement with the Arctic. During this period, Russia has started to cooperate with China in the Arctic in multiple areas. Both countries established an Arctic research center to carry out joint scientific research. Economically, China initiated the “Polar Silk Road” to not only invest in the development of Russia’s energy export infrastructure but also explore Russia’s national gas and oil in this region and import these resources. Moreover, both countries jointly developed the Arctic shipping routes. Militarily, China and Russia have conducted joint naval exercises, coast guard patrols and strategic bomber air training, in addition to signing a memorandum of understanding on maritime law enforcement in the Arctic. Balance of power in the Arctic has shaped such an outcome, i.e., Russia had no choice but to resort to China to balance the fully allied rest of the seven Arctic states. The implication of such a geopolitical reality is that China will obtain a strong footing in the Arctic if Russia continues to seek its partnership in this region due to its isolation by the rest of the seven Arctic states.

Author

• Fuzuo Wu, University of Salford