The Arctic: A New Issue on Asia's Security Agenda

Abstract

China has clearly emulated Russia's previous example of making loud claims and increasing military patrols in the Arctic. China will likely become a major player in Arctic trade routes and become a main destination for goods shipped through the Northern Sea Route. It is likely that a significant part of future Russian oil and gas production will ultimately be supplied to China. What are the strategic implications of China's active involvement in Arctic politics? The Arctic "Great Game" is often described as a new Cold War between the United States and Russia. Regionally, the two main protagonists are Russia and Norway. This article makes a different argument. The Arctic has recently become an issue on the Russo-Chinese, and possibly Russo-Japanese security agenda. The first goal of this article is to examine the Arctic policy and strategy of Russia, perhaps the most difficult nation to understand in terms of Arctic security. The second goal of the article is to explain how the Arctic has become an issue of concern in Russia's relationship with China.