China's Arctic Comeback: Testing an 'Arctic 2.0' Strategy
Nearly a decade after announcing its revised Arctic strategy centered on the Polar Silk Road, China's initial ambitious objectives have faced political and logistical setbacks, including failed investments in railways, mines, and natural gas projects. The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine further stalled momentum, while the political division between Western and Russian Arctic spheres complicated Beijing's 'whole of Arctic' approach. Despite these challenges, China is now pursuing an 'Arctic 2.0' strategy, rebuilding its northern policies through expanded scientific expeditions, renewed Polar Silk Road efforts, and deeper science diplomacy. In 2025, China launched its 16th Arctic Expedition with multiple icebreakers and research vessels, conducting studies on ice depth, biology, seabed surveys, and atmospheric testing at the Gakkel Ridge. Sino-Russian scientific cooperation has increased, though China's research facilities in Svalbard and Iceland face scrutiny over dual-use concerns. Beijing aims to position itself as an alternative partner in Arctic governance amid deepening US-NATO splits.
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