scholarly journals Arctic Frontier: Ice Silk Road and Its Role in China's Advance to the Arctic

2021 ◽  
pp. 128-143
Author(s):  
Elena G. USHAKOVA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Region ◽  
White Paper ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Zone ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
Legal Position ◽  
Arctic Policy

In recent circumstances of world climate change, Arctic zone has become of great interest for those countries actively involved in its development. With the constant climate warming, deglaciation and increasing of sea-level, commercial transport ways through the Arctic Ocean become a possible economic solution for large exporting countries. Due to importance of north passage for China, Beijing proclaimed itself as a "near-circle State" to get advantages from the development of Northern Sea Route (NSR) that can provide direct access to the Arctic zone and its natural resources. Considering this, China has recently published its White Paper on Arctic Policy, where it announces "Ice Silk Road" to be the official Arctic strategy of China. This article underlines the major intentions and interests of China in its Arctic strategy. One of China's intentions is an enhancement of the Northern Sea Route, that still raises concerns from the specialists whether it can be applicable part of Arctic strategy of China. This article approves that according to Ice Silk Road's connotation Russia should play an indispensable role in China's advancement to the Arctic zone through NSR. Moreover, the author investigates the influence of "Ice Silk Road" on Sino-Russian relations. Both China and Russia appear to prioritize this strategy to ameliorate economic situation and infrastructure in less-developed regions of two countries. Though, economic development of Arctic coastal cities is one of the priorities of the Russian Federation, it remains to be attentive to the involvement of China in the development of the region, mainly out of fear that it will influence its legal position in the Arctic region. Meanwhile, it stays important that two governments come to a consensus concerning the legislative basis of NSR usage and have a deep assessment of advantages and disadvantages that come out as a result of their partnership.

scholarly journals The Polar Silk Road: China’s New Frontier of International Cooperation

2018 ◽  
Vol 04 (03) ◽  
pp. 345-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Tillman ◽  
Jian Yang ◽  
Egill Thor Nielsson
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Region ◽  
White Paper ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Chinese Enterprises ◽  
Transportation Projects ◽  
Technological Cooperation ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
Arctic Policy

The introduction of the “Polar Silk Road (PSR)” into the first comprehensive white paper on Arctic policy is a historic step for China’s Arctic engagement. Over the past few years, China has achieved policy synergies and launched industrial, scientific and technological cooperation with Russia and Nordic countries. With enlarged interests and enhanced capabilities, China is becoming a preferred partner for Russia and Nordic countries in a number of infrastructure, energy and transportation projects within the Arctic region. The PSR framework to advance Arctic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) presents both economic opportunities and social as well as environmental challenges for Chinese enterprises to balance the utilization and protection of the Arctic.

scholarly journals Chinese geopolitical goals in the Arctic

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
I. S. Doroshenko
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
The World ◽  
The Silk Road ◽  
The Arctic Region

The People’s Republic of China is increasing its influence around the world every day. It’s hard not to notice the aggressive economic expansion being carried out by China in the Asian region. Chinese presence is felt in Africa, South America and even in Europe. By engaging in a trade war with the United States, China thereby challenged the most influential economy in the world, which is confirmed by its ambitions as a world leader. To meet these ambitions, a powerful transport and logistics support is necessary, which gave rise to the “Belts and Ways” initiative. The initiative “One Belt - One Road” combines two projects: “The Economic Belt of the Silk Road” and “The Sea Silk Road of the XXI Century”. This means that, in addition to the traditional land routes of the Silk Road, Beijing is exploring the sea routes along the African continent and in the Pacific Ocean. Since the initiative does not have a clear strategy, the northern routes that have recently become relevant are also considered by the Chinese authorities.The search for an alternative to the Suez Canal has repeatedly prompted researchers to use the Northern Sea Route as a trading artery linking Europe and Asia, but climatic conditions and technical capabilities did not allow this idea to be realized. The current situation in the Arctic region allows us to talk about new development prospects.China is actively interested in the Arctic: since 2013, it has an observer status in the Arctic Council, has been increasing its presence in the region by organizing scientific expeditions, building icebreakers, introducing its own brand “Northern Silk Road”, and also investing in projects like “Yamal LNG». China outlined its presence in the Arctic region in a white paper published in January 2018. One of the main goals that Beijing sets for itself is multilateral cooperation in the development of the Northern Sea Route.The author of the article analyzes the origins of such interest, as well as possible threats to Russia. The study also examines the position of European partners in the participation of the development of the SMP, bilateral relations with the Chinese side and the ratio of the strategy of the European Union, China and Russia in the High North. The author gives a geopolitical rationale for Chinese initiatives that are aimed at creating the conditions for intensive navigation in the northern areas.

scholarly journals THE PROJECT «ICE SILK ROAD» WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE INITIATIVE «ONE BELT AND ONE ROAD» AS THE REALIZATION OF THE INTERESTS OF RUSSIA AND CHINA IN THE ARCTIC REGION

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-345
Author(s):  
Kristina M Mikhaylichenko
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
People's Republic Of China ◽  
Republic Of China ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
The World ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Arctic Region

The article discusses the place and importance of the Arctic region and the Northern Sea Route on the geopolitical map of the world. The author defines the interests of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China in the Arctic, characterizes the project “Ice Silk Road” within the framework of the initiative “One Belt and One Road”, analyzes the existing Russian-Chinese cooperation and identifies the most promising areas of cooperation. The author comes to the conclusion about the global potential of the Arctic cooperation between the two countries.

scholarly journals China’s Policy in Arctic region

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32
Author(s):  
V. Yu. Karandasheva
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Region ◽  
White Paper ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Policy Document ◽  
Technological Basis ◽  
One Belt One Road ◽  
The One ◽  
Arctic Policy ◽  
Beijing China

The article deals with the process of formation of China’s Arctic policy and mechanisms for its implementation. Till the end of the 1990s, Beijing was not interested in the Arctic region because of its geographical remoteness from China, as well as because of the lack of the necessary scientific and technological basis. The economic reforms of 1972 and the establishment of the Arctic Council in 1996 gave an impetus to the development of China’s policy in the Arctic. Since then, China has intensified its activities aimed at expanding the state’s presence in the region. Special attention is given to China’s policy document in the region ― a white paper titled “China’s Arctic Policy”. It is noted that this document was aimed at legitimizing China’s activities in the region.Despite the fact that the Arctic is not a priority region for Beijing, China is a prominent actor there. China’s attention to the Arctic is determined by economic factors, namely, by the possible development of the region’s resources, as well as its transport capacities, which can be used in the framework of the One Belt One Road Initiative.The article analyses China’s cooperation with the «Arctic five» countries and the position of the Arctic States towards intensifying Beijing’s activities in the region. China is promoting cooperation with Norway, Denmark and Iceland. despite the existing contradictions, it is noted that the Arctic states are interested, as Chinese investments play an important role in the development of the region. China has consistently stated the need for greater involvement of interested non-regional states in the multilateral management of the region, while respecting the sovereignty of the Arctic countries.

The Northern Sea Route as a Tool of Arctic Development

2019 ◽  
pp. 21-44
Author(s):  
Ju.V. Zvorykina ◽  
K.S. Teteryatnikov
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Zone ◽  
Investment Projects ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
Important Region ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Asian Pacific ◽  
Simplified Procedure

The article is devoted to the analysis of the role of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in the socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of Russia. The authors believe that climate change, gradually leading to the melting of polar ice, opens up new opportunities for the development of Arctic resources and navigation in the seas of the Arctic Ocean. Of particular interest to the NSR are non-Arctic countries, critically dependent on the supply of foreign mineral and carbon resources, as well as on the export of their goods to Europe. Among them, China stands out, considering the NSR as the Arctic Blue Economic Corridor as part of the global Silk Road system. The NSR is intended to become an essential tool for further development of the Arctic zone of Russia. Development of port infrastructure and creation of a modern ocean and maritime fleet will accelerate the pace of socio-economic development of this strategically important region. To do this, it is necessary to adopt a federal law on special system of preferences for investors, including foreign ones, implementing their projects in the Arctic. Among such preferences there are preferential profit tax rates, reduction in Mineral Extraction Tax (MET) rates, a declarative procedure for VAT refunds, a simplified procedure for granting land plots and unchanged conditions for the implementation of investment projects. In addition, it is important to make the NSR safe and profitable both in terms of quality of service and of price for the shippers. In particular, the payment for icebreakers’ escort of vessels should be competitive and reasonable. The largest Russian private and state-owned companies should be involved into Arctic projects. It is important to synchronize the Arctic oil and gas projects with nuclear and LNG icebreakers’ construction, as well as with the launch of two logistics hubs in Murmansk and Kamchatka. In this case, year-round NSR navigation will be organized, which will ensure the high competitiveness of Russian products supplied to the Asian Pacific markets.

scholarly journals Development of Northern Sea Route: Prospects for International Cooperation

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-77
Author(s):  
A. V. Kirgizov-Barskii
Keyword(s):  
Global Climate Change ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Water Area ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Northern Coast ◽  
Arctic Zone ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
Transportation Route ◽  
Modern Technologies

Today due to global climate change the Northern Sea Route is being formed along the northern coast of Russia as a new international maritime passage in the Arctic. Due to the rapid increase in the interest of regional and non-Arctic states, the scientific community and business to this transportation route, there is a need to study the prospects for cooperation between Russia and other countries on the development of the Northern Sea Route. The paper provides a detailed analysis of the interests of external players in the NSR area, taking into account the latest changes and events, while the author uses swot-analysis and a comparative analytical approach to conduct the study. The results of the study have shown that cooperation with some Arctic countries on the development of the NSR could bring mutual benefits: Canada and Russia would exchange experience on the development of similar sea routes, and Norway and Iceland would receive advantages as hubs on new routes. Non-regional countries, such as China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and India, are interested in the NSR. For them, the Northern Sea Route is potentially shorter and safer compared to traditional routes, and it also allows to participate in projects located near its water area in science, energy and transport sectors. In turn, the participation of foreign partners is important for Russia, since it is usually accompanied by the active use of the route, the creation of large projects throughout its entire length, the attraction of serious funds, modern technologies and knowledge to the Arctic zone of the country.

scholarly journals The nuclear icebreaker fleet of Russia in the first quarter of the XXI century. Challenges and prospects for the development of the Northern Sea Route

2021 ◽  
pp. 14-25
Author(s):  
Ю.Л. Бордученко ◽  
И.Г. Малыгин ◽  
В.Ю. Каминский ◽  
В.А. Аксенов
Keyword(s):  
Decisive Role ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Seas ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
The North ◽  
Russian Economy ◽  
Current State ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
Transport Problems

Арктическая зона в XXI веке становится важнейшим гарантом устойчивого развития Российской Федерации. Вклад Севера в экономику России во многом будет определяться масштабами и темпами развития Арктической транспортной системы. Необходимо расширение коммерческого и научно-исследовательского судоходства, развитие транспортных узлов и коридоров, полярной авиации, грузопассажирских морских полярных перевозок. В этих условиях Россия в целях обеспечения своих геополитических интересов должна постоянно поддерживать активное присутствие в этом регионе. Оно выражается в проведении научных исследований, разведке и добыче полезных ископаемых, обеспечении морских грузоперевозок с использованием ледоколов и специализированных ледокольно-транспортных судов. Этого невозможно достичь без развития уникального атомного ледокольного флота. В настоящее время Россия является мировым лидером в области применения атомного ледокольного флота для решения транспортных задач в морях Арктики и неарктических замерзающих морях. Для успешной конкуренции России необходимо не упускать этого лидерства и постоянно развивать и совершенствовать атомный ледокольный флот как ключевое звено инфраструктуры функционирования Северного морского пути. В статье представлен краткий обзор текущего состояния и перспектив развития атомного ледокольного флота России. Показана определяющая роль атомного ледокольного флота в обеспечении судоходства по трассам Северного морского пути для развития экономики Арктического региона России. The Arctic zone in the XXI century is becoming the most important guarantor of the sustainable development of the Russian Federation. The contribution of the North to the Russian economy will largely be determined by the scale and pace of development of the Arctic Transport System. It is necessary to expand commercial and research shipping, develop transport hubs and corridors, polar aviation, and cargo and passenger sea polar transportation. In these circumstances, Russia must constantly maintain an active presence in this region in order to ensure its geopolitical interests. It is expressed in conducting scientific research, exploration and extraction of minerals, providing sea cargo transportation using icebreakers and specialized icebreaker-transport vessels. This cannot be achieved without the development of a unique nuclear icebreaker fleet. Currently, Russia is a world leader in the use of nuclear-powered icebreaking fleet for solving transport problems in the Arctic seas and non-Arctic freezing seas. For successful competition, Russia must not lose this leadership, constantly develop and improve the nuclear icebreaker fleet as a key link in the infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route. The article provides a brief overview of the current state and prospects for the development of the Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet. The article shows the decisive role of the nuclear icebreaker fleet in ensuring navigation along the Northern Sea Route for the development of the economy of the Arctic region of Russia.

scholarly journals The Northern Sea Route: The Need and Prospects for Transit of Raw Materials

2020 ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Aleksey Mikhailovich Khorev
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Current State ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Near Future ◽  
The Arctic Region

The prospects and problems of using the Northern sea route for transportation of raw materials are examined. The author makes an attempt to study the current state of the Northern sea route as the most important transport corridor of the Arctic region, and analyzes the existing problems that reduce the economic efficiency of cargo transit along the NSR. The ways to improve the efficiency of transportation of raw materials along the Northern sea route are reviewed. The author assesses the importance of the Arctic region for the Russian Federation as a whole, as well as he points out the need for its development in the near future.

Regional Aspects of the Arctic Ice Silk Road

2019 ◽  
pp. 370-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhang Xiuhua
Keyword(s):  
Northeast Asia ◽  
White Paper ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Heilongjiang Province ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Industrial Facilities ◽  
Arctic Shipping ◽  
Arctic Ice ◽  
Arctic Policy ◽  
Principal Lines

A recently released white paper on the Arctic policy emphasized the principal lines of China's activities in the Arctic, particularly development of resources, fishing and tourism, Arctic shipping routes, infrastructure, navigation security, scientific research, and environmental protection. Such priorities are in the best interest of China's strategy of the unified regional development and new architectonics of the extensive exploration of the potential of China's Northern provinces. Being the northernmost region of the country, Heilongjiang province has an opportunity to become China's outpost for the implementation of the national Arctic policy. This chapter assesses the challenges and perspectives of turning Heilongjiang province into a transport and logistics hub between Northeast Asia, Europe, and North America by China's participation in the development of the Arctic Blue Economic Corridor. The author elaborates an idea of the establishment of the Arctic Research and Industrial Cluster based on the scientific, technological, and industrial facilities of Heilongjiang province.

Russia-China Collaboration in the Arctic

2019 ◽  
pp. 207-219
Author(s):  
Nikolay Kotlyarov
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Partnership ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Legal Regime ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
Bilateral Cooperation ◽  
Arctic Policy ◽  
Settlement Of Disputes ◽  
Expert Community

In recent years, the international expert community has demonstrated a growing interest in China's Arctic policy. To a great extent, such an interest has been triggered by recent gaining an observer status in the Arctic Council by China, as well as by China's efforts to actively participate in elaborating the rules of global governance. China has a range of interests in the Arctic, including climate change problems, opportunities for energy diversification, and development of the Northern Sea Route. Among Russian experts, the discussion on the desirability of cooperation with China has lately shifted towards the acknowledging the need to strengthen Russia-China strategic partnership in the Arctic, particularly in the context of worsening relations between Russia and Western countries. The chapter addresses recent trends in Russia's and China's attitudes to bilateral cooperation in the Arctic and analyzes experts' approaches to the settlement of disputes, including such issues as the legal regime of the Arctic and the development of navigation along the Northern Sea Route.

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