China seeks greater influence in Arctic region
A relative latecomer, Beijing cozies up to Nordic nations in a bid to increase its influence in a region rich in oil and natural gas reserves
China will set up a joint Arctic research centre in Shanghai with Danish, Icelandic and Norwegian institutions, building on improving diplomatic ties with Nordic countries, as it bids to raise its stake in the faraway but resource-rich region.
The China-Nordic Arctic Research Centre, whose launch plan was announced in Shanghai in early June, may signal new intentions in Beijing's foreign policy, analysts say. Beijing has yet to articulate an official Arctic strategy, but it has become firmer in its polar ambitions.
The Shanghai-based Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC), which is behind the collaborative China-Nordic research centre and will fund it, was reluctant to comment on the centre's missions, saying planning was still in the initial stage.
The move comes only weeks after China became one of six new countries granted permanent observer status at the Arctic Council.
While the major Arctic powers - the United States, Canada and Russia - have generally been cautious about outside membership, China's inclusion was at least partially due to solid support from Nordic nations. China may not have voting rights, but is now allowed to take part in debates regarding the fate of the Arctic.
Mainland analysts have referred to China, a country roughly 1,450 kilometres from the Arctic Circle at its nearest point, as "near Arctic" and a "stakeholder", apparently indicating Beijing believes it has a natural role to play in the Arctic.
