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

Year 2020, Volume: 16 Issue: 34, 245 - 271, 13.07.2020
https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.768606

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.

References

  • HASSOL, Susan J., Impacts of Arctic Warming: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004.
  • ANDERSSON, Patrik Jesper, Willaing Zeuthen, Per Kalvig, "Chinese Mining in Greenland: Arctic Access or Access to Minerals?", China & the Arctic, 2018, 102-117.
  • BAYRAMLI, Gadir, Kaan Kapan, "Energy Resources of The Arctıc Region: Current Status And Problems", Journal of International Social Research, 2018, Cilt:11, S.58, 232-236.
  • BEIXI, Deng, “Arctic Geopolitics: the Impact of US-Russian Relations on Chinese-Russian Cooperation in the Arctic”, Russia in Global Affairs, 2016, vol. 14, no. 2, 206-220.
  • CHEN, Gang, “China’s emerging Arctic Strategy”, The Polar Journal, 2012, 2(2), 358-371.
  • GAVRILOV, Viatcheslav, Alexandra Kripakova, “Arctic Policy of the North East Asian Countries”, Jindal Global Law Review, 2017, 8(1), 69-86.
  • RØSETH, Tom, "Russia’s China Policy in the Arctic", Strategic Analysis, 2014, 38.6, 841-859.
  • SORENSEN, Camilla T. N., "The Significance of Xi Jinping’s ‘Chinese Dream’ for Chinese Foreign Policy: From ‘Tao Guang Yang Hui’ to ‘Fen Fa You Wei’", Journal of China and International Relations, 2015, 3.1, 53-73.
  • ATLAND, Kristian, Security Implications of Climate Change in the Arctic, The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), 2010.
  • BIRD, Kenneth J. ve diğ., Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal: Estimates of Undiscovered Oil and Gas North of the Arctic Circle, US Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2008-3049, 2008. https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2008/3049/fs2008-3049.pdf (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BUDZIK, Philip, Arctic Oil and Natural Gas Potential, U.S. Energy Information Administration, Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting, Oil and Gas Division, 2009.
  • China Energy Outlook 2050, CNPC Economics and Technology Institute, 2018.
  • Impacts of a Warming Arctic, Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, 2004.
  • JAKOBSON, Linda, China Prepares for an ice-free Arctic, SIPRI Insights on Peace and Security, no 2010/2, 2010, Solna.
  • JAKOBSON, Linda, Jingchao Peng, China’s Arctic Aspirations, SIPRI Policy Paper No:34, 2012, Solna.
  • KEFFERPÜTZ, Roderick, On Thin Ice? (Mis)interpreting Russian Policy in the High North, CEPS Policy Brief 205, 2010.
  • LANTEIGNE, Marc, Not Stopping Cold: China’s Emerging Strategies in the Arctic, Asia Centre, 2016.
  • LIM, Kong Soon, China’s Arctic Policy & the Polar Silk Road Vision, Arctic Yearbook, 2018.
  • Maritime Activity on the Northern Sea Route, Maritime Transportation in the North 06, 2018.
  • RASHMI, B.R., China in the Arctic: Interests, Strategy and Implications, Institute of Chinese Studies, No: 27, 2019, Delhi.
  • ZELENINA, Larisa, Svetlana Fedkyshova, Forecasting and Consequences of Climate Change in the Arctic Region, Arctic and North (5), 2012.
  • SUVANTO,Veera Pauliina, Geopolitics of the Arctic: Challenges and Prospects, Master en Estudios Internacionales, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 2016.
  • “China Sets its Sights on the Northwest Passage as a Potential Trade Boon”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/20/china-northwest-passage-trade-route-shipping-guide (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • “China Trade Statistics”, World Integrated Trade Solution, https://wits.worldbank.org/ CountryProfile/en/CHN (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • “China Unveils Action Plan on Belt and Road Initiative”, China Daily, https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2015-03/28/content_19938124.htm (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • “Polar Silk Road”, One Belt One Road Europe, https://www.oboreurope.com/en/polar-route/polar-silk-road-oboreurope/ (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • “The Arctic Council: A Backgrounder”, The Arctic Council, About Us, https://arctic-council.org/index.php/en/about-us (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • “Yamal LNG in Russia: the Gas that Came in from the Cold”, Total, Home, https://www.total.com/en/energy-expertise/projects/oil-gas/lng/yamal-lng-cold-environment-gas (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BENNETT, Mia, “The Controversy over Greenland Airports Shows China isn’t Fully Welcome in the Arctic –yet”, https://www.arctictoday.com/controversy-greenland-airports-shows-china-still-unwelcome-arctic/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BOSS, Lieke, “Norway-China Relations Unfrozen”, https://thediplomat.com/2016/ 12/norway-china-relations-unfrozen/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2019, British Petroleum, 68th Edition, 2019, s. 8. https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/business-sites/en/global/corporate/pdfs/energy -economics/statistical-review/bp-stats-review-2019-full-report.pdf (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BREUM, Martin, “Analysis: Did the Danish PM Prevent a Chinese Acquisition on Greenland?”, https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/analysis-did-danish-pm-prevent-chinese-acquisition-greenland (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • GUSCHIN, Arthur, “China, Iceland and the Arctic”, https://thediplomat.com/2015/ 05/china-iceland-and-the-arctic/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • JOLLY, David, “Iceland and China Enter a Free Trade Agreement”, https://www.nytimes. com/2013/04/16/business/global/16iht-iceland16.html (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • KAZOKOĞLU, Cüneyt, “Sekiz Ülkenin Gözü Neden ‘Kutup Bölgesi’nde?”, https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2014/02/140220_kutup_dairesi_enerji (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • LIU, Nengye, “China’s Emerging Arctic Policy”, https://thediplomat.com/2016/ 12/chinas-emerging-arctic-policy/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • MCCARTHY, Niall, “Global Warming Opens Arctic Passage for Container Ships”, https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2018/08/30/global-warming-opens-arctic-passage-for-container-ships-infographic/#5c6b146e6c2b (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • MYERS, Steven Lee, “Arctic Council Adds 6 Nations as Observer Status, Including China”, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/16/world/europe/arctic-council-adds-six-members-including-china.html (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • O’ROURKE, Ronald, “Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program”, Congressional Research Service, No. RL34391, 2019, 40. https://fas.org/ sgp/crs/weapons/RL34391.pdf (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • PLETCHER, Kenneth, “Northeast Passage”, https://www.britannica.com/topic/ Northeast-Passage (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • SCRAFTON, Mike, “China is Planning a Polar Silk Road”, https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/china-is-planning-a-polar-silk-road (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • State Council Information Office of the PRC, “China’s Arctic Policy”, http://english.www.gov.cn/archive/white_paper/2018/01/26/content_281476026660336.htm. (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • SUKHANKIN, Sergey, “What did Russia’s Strategic Military Exercise Tsentr-2019 Reveal?”, https://icds.ee/what-did-russias-strategic-military-exercise-tsentr-2019-reveal/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • VELLA, Heidi, “China’s International Offshore Oil Footprint”, https://www.offshore-technology.com/features/chinas-international-offshore-oil-footprint/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • World Trade Statistical Review, World Trade Organization, 2019, s. 48, https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/wts2019_e/wts2019_e.pdf (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • ZHEN, Liu, “China Reveals ‘Polar Silk Road’ Ambition in Arctic Policy White Paper”, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2130785/china-reveals-polar-silk-road-ambition-arctic-policy (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).

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

Year 2020, Volume: 16 Issue: 34, 245 - 271, 13.07.2020
https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.768606

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.

References

  • HASSOL, Susan J., Impacts of Arctic Warming: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004.
  • ANDERSSON, Patrik Jesper, Willaing Zeuthen, Per Kalvig, "Chinese Mining in Greenland: Arctic Access or Access to Minerals?", China & the Arctic, 2018, 102-117.
  • BAYRAMLI, Gadir, Kaan Kapan, "Energy Resources of The Arctıc Region: Current Status And Problems", Journal of International Social Research, 2018, Cilt:11, S.58, 232-236.
  • BEIXI, Deng, “Arctic Geopolitics: the Impact of US-Russian Relations on Chinese-Russian Cooperation in the Arctic”, Russia in Global Affairs, 2016, vol. 14, no. 2, 206-220.
  • CHEN, Gang, “China’s emerging Arctic Strategy”, The Polar Journal, 2012, 2(2), 358-371.
  • GAVRILOV, Viatcheslav, Alexandra Kripakova, “Arctic Policy of the North East Asian Countries”, Jindal Global Law Review, 2017, 8(1), 69-86.
  • RØSETH, Tom, "Russia’s China Policy in the Arctic", Strategic Analysis, 2014, 38.6, 841-859.
  • SORENSEN, Camilla T. N., "The Significance of Xi Jinping’s ‘Chinese Dream’ for Chinese Foreign Policy: From ‘Tao Guang Yang Hui’ to ‘Fen Fa You Wei’", Journal of China and International Relations, 2015, 3.1, 53-73.
  • ATLAND, Kristian, Security Implications of Climate Change in the Arctic, The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), 2010.
  • BIRD, Kenneth J. ve diğ., Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal: Estimates of Undiscovered Oil and Gas North of the Arctic Circle, US Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2008-3049, 2008. https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2008/3049/fs2008-3049.pdf (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BUDZIK, Philip, Arctic Oil and Natural Gas Potential, U.S. Energy Information Administration, Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting, Oil and Gas Division, 2009.
  • China Energy Outlook 2050, CNPC Economics and Technology Institute, 2018.
  • Impacts of a Warming Arctic, Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, 2004.
  • JAKOBSON, Linda, China Prepares for an ice-free Arctic, SIPRI Insights on Peace and Security, no 2010/2, 2010, Solna.
  • JAKOBSON, Linda, Jingchao Peng, China’s Arctic Aspirations, SIPRI Policy Paper No:34, 2012, Solna.
  • KEFFERPÜTZ, Roderick, On Thin Ice? (Mis)interpreting Russian Policy in the High North, CEPS Policy Brief 205, 2010.
  • LANTEIGNE, Marc, Not Stopping Cold: China’s Emerging Strategies in the Arctic, Asia Centre, 2016.
  • LIM, Kong Soon, China’s Arctic Policy & the Polar Silk Road Vision, Arctic Yearbook, 2018.
  • Maritime Activity on the Northern Sea Route, Maritime Transportation in the North 06, 2018.
  • RASHMI, B.R., China in the Arctic: Interests, Strategy and Implications, Institute of Chinese Studies, No: 27, 2019, Delhi.
  • ZELENINA, Larisa, Svetlana Fedkyshova, Forecasting and Consequences of Climate Change in the Arctic Region, Arctic and North (5), 2012.
  • SUVANTO,Veera Pauliina, Geopolitics of the Arctic: Challenges and Prospects, Master en Estudios Internacionales, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 2016.
  • “China Sets its Sights on the Northwest Passage as a Potential Trade Boon”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/20/china-northwest-passage-trade-route-shipping-guide (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • “China Trade Statistics”, World Integrated Trade Solution, https://wits.worldbank.org/ CountryProfile/en/CHN (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • “China Unveils Action Plan on Belt and Road Initiative”, China Daily, https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2015-03/28/content_19938124.htm (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • “Polar Silk Road”, One Belt One Road Europe, https://www.oboreurope.com/en/polar-route/polar-silk-road-oboreurope/ (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • “The Arctic Council: A Backgrounder”, The Arctic Council, About Us, https://arctic-council.org/index.php/en/about-us (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • “Yamal LNG in Russia: the Gas that Came in from the Cold”, Total, Home, https://www.total.com/en/energy-expertise/projects/oil-gas/lng/yamal-lng-cold-environment-gas (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BENNETT, Mia, “The Controversy over Greenland Airports Shows China isn’t Fully Welcome in the Arctic –yet”, https://www.arctictoday.com/controversy-greenland-airports-shows-china-still-unwelcome-arctic/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BOSS, Lieke, “Norway-China Relations Unfrozen”, https://thediplomat.com/2016/ 12/norway-china-relations-unfrozen/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2019, British Petroleum, 68th Edition, 2019, s. 8. https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/business-sites/en/global/corporate/pdfs/energy -economics/statistical-review/bp-stats-review-2019-full-report.pdf (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • BREUM, Martin, “Analysis: Did the Danish PM Prevent a Chinese Acquisition on Greenland?”, https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/analysis-did-danish-pm-prevent-chinese-acquisition-greenland (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • GUSCHIN, Arthur, “China, Iceland and the Arctic”, https://thediplomat.com/2015/ 05/china-iceland-and-the-arctic/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • JOLLY, David, “Iceland and China Enter a Free Trade Agreement”, https://www.nytimes. com/2013/04/16/business/global/16iht-iceland16.html (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • KAZOKOĞLU, Cüneyt, “Sekiz Ülkenin Gözü Neden ‘Kutup Bölgesi’nde?”, https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2014/02/140220_kutup_dairesi_enerji (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • LIU, Nengye, “China’s Emerging Arctic Policy”, https://thediplomat.com/2016/ 12/chinas-emerging-arctic-policy/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • MCCARTHY, Niall, “Global Warming Opens Arctic Passage for Container Ships”, https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2018/08/30/global-warming-opens-arctic-passage-for-container-ships-infographic/#5c6b146e6c2b (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • MYERS, Steven Lee, “Arctic Council Adds 6 Nations as Observer Status, Including China”, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/16/world/europe/arctic-council-adds-six-members-including-china.html (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • O’ROURKE, Ronald, “Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program”, Congressional Research Service, No. RL34391, 2019, 40. https://fas.org/ sgp/crs/weapons/RL34391.pdf (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
  • PLETCHER, Kenneth, “Northeast Passage”, https://www.britannica.com/topic/ Northeast-Passage (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • SCRAFTON, Mike, “China is Planning a Polar Silk Road”, https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/china-is-planning-a-polar-silk-road (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • State Council Information Office of the PRC, “China’s Arctic Policy”, http://english.www.gov.cn/archive/white_paper/2018/01/26/content_281476026660336.htm. (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • SUKHANKIN, Sergey, “What did Russia’s Strategic Military Exercise Tsentr-2019 Reveal?”, https://icds.ee/what-did-russias-strategic-military-exercise-tsentr-2019-reveal/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • VELLA, Heidi, “China’s International Offshore Oil Footprint”, https://www.offshore-technology.com/features/chinas-international-offshore-oil-footprint/ (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • World Trade Statistical Review, World Trade Organization, 2019, s. 48, https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/wts2019_e/wts2019_e.pdf (Erişim Tarihi: 10.09.2019).
  • ZHEN, Liu, “China Reveals ‘Polar Silk Road’ Ambition in Arctic Policy White Paper”, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2130785/china-reveals-polar-silk-road-ambition-arctic-policy (Erişim Tarihi:10.09.2019).
There are 46 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Atahan Birol Kartal This is me 0000-0003-3098-1981

Ferhat Dağıstan This is me 0000-0002-7069-3522

Publication Date July 13, 2020
Submission Date March 20, 2020
Published in Issue Year 2020 Volume: 16 Issue: 34

Cite

Chicago Kartal, Atahan Birol, and Ferhat Dağıstan. “Çin Kaynakları Açısından Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti’nin Arktik Politikası: Yüksek Kuzey’de Kar Dragonu”. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi 16, no. 34 (July 2020): 245-71. https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.768606.