Arctic Policy of the People’s Republic of China in terms of Chinese Sources: Snow Dragon in the High North

Year 2020, , 245 - 271, 13.07.2020

Atahan Birol Kartal Ferhat Dağıstan

https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.768606

Cited By: 1

Abstract

The Arctic has become an important region due to the possibility of access to hydrocarbon resources and the formation of strategic maritime routes as a result of climate change. In this context, China published its policy document “White Paper” in 2018, expressing its intentions and aspirations about the Arctic. With this document, China has defined itself as a “near Arctic state” and aimed active participation in the Arctic issues. China, which deals with scientific research on the Arctic and the development of Arctic ports and transport corridors, emphasizes the importance of the “Polar Silk Road” as a part of the “Belt and Road Initiative”. In doing so, China develops strong diplomatic relations with the Arctic states, enabling new dimensions to the geopolitics of the region. China’s recent construction of icebreaker ships proves that it has long-term plans to become an “Arctic Power”. This article analyzes whether China’s Arctic goal is limited to access to the region or becoming a powerful actor with a decisive role in the region. The study also focuses on how this situation is perceived among other Arctic states. Finally, this article explores China’s Arctic policy, China’s interests in the Arctic region and its impacts in the light of the Neorealism Theory.

Keywords

China, Arctic Policy, Arctic power, White Paper, Polar Silk Road

Çin Kaynakları Açısından Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti’nin Arktik Politikası: Yüksek Kuzey’de Kar Dragonu

Abstract

Arktik, iklim değişikliği sonucu hidrokarbon kaynaklarına erişim olanağı ve stratejik denizyolları oluşması nedeniyle önemi artan bir bölge haline gelmiştir. Bu noktadan hareketle Çin, Arktik hakkında niyet ve isteklerini ortaya koyan “Beyaz Kitap” isimli politika belgesini 2018 yılında yayımlamıştır. Bu belgede kendisini “Yakın Arktik Ülkesi” olarak tanımlayan Çin, Arktik meselelerine aktif katılım sağlamayı hedeflemiştir. Arktik’te bilimsel araştırma ve Arktik limanları ile ulaşım koridorlarını geliştirme faaliyetleriyle ilgilenen Çin, “Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi”nin parçası olarak “Kutup İpek Yolu”nun önemini vurgulamaktadır. Bu bağlamda Arktik devletleriyle güçlü diplomatik ilişkiler geliştirmektedir ve bölgenin jeopolitiğine yeni boyutlar kazandırmaktadır. Çin’in yakın zamanda buzkıran gemi inşasına başlaması,“Kutup Gücü” olmak adına uzun vadeli planlarının olduğunun göstergesidir. Bu çalışma, Çin’in Arktik hedefinin bölgeye erişmekle sınırlı kalmayıp bölgede belirleyici role sahip güçlü bir aktör olmaya evrilip evrilmediğini ve bu durumun Arktik devletlerinde yarattığı algıyı analiz etmektedir. Bu makalede neorealizm teorisi kullanılarak Çin’in Arktik politikası, bölgedeki çıkarları ve bölgeye etkileri incelenmektedir.

Keywords

Çin, Arktik Politikası, arktik gücü, Beyaz kitap, Kutup ipek yolu

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