China is exploring the Arctic, conducting research on climate change, exploring new resources and pledging to build a "Polar Silk Road" linking Asia and Europe.
Some Arctic states have welcomed Chinese investment and aid, but traditional powers like the United States are suspicious of China’s motives.
Those living in the Arctic Circle have protested against Chinese business proposals to buy up large tracts of land, while some are questioning whether China harbours military interests in the region.
101 East investigates China’s plans for the Arctic, a potential flashpoint where climate change, geopolitics and new opportunities meet.
Some Arctic states have welcomed Chinese investment and aid, but traditional powers like the United States are suspicious of China’s motives.
Those living in the Arctic Circle have protested against Chinese business proposals to buy up large tracts of land, while some are questioning whether China harbours military interests in the region.
101 East investigates China’s plans for the Arctic, a potential flashpoint where climate change, geopolitics and new opportunities meet.
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Francisco Gimeno - BC Analyst This will probably be the decade where China rises to be a superpower and global player in geopolitics beyond its sphere of influence, in many fields. China has a plan, and everything and everybody there is working for its success. So, what if they want to have a presence in the Artic? It's good for global commerce and trade, investment and aid. However, with its naval presence the State is behind, trying to settle for long term. They have the people, the means and the influence. Of course. Russia and USA will try their best to minimise this. Historically a process like this has brought both the good (investment and development to otherwise forgotten territories) and the bad (conflicts of control and power between the big powers). This is a very interesting decade.