Summary

The gradual melting of the ice cap due to global warming is creating a unique mix of opportunities and challenges in the Arctic. This is increasing the region’s importance in geopolitical and geoeconomic terms, attracting the attention of many non-Arctic states such as China, which has expanded its activities in the region. However, this has in turn raised concerns in the United States and other countries about Beijing’s real intentions. As a matter of fact, even though the PRC adopts a discourse based on mutual cooperation and goodwill, its actual initiatives in the Arctic could also have important implications for regional security and long-term relations with Arctic states.