China expands Arctic footprint with rising investments, military activity

China has been ramping up its investment and military presence in the Arctic, signaling growing interest in the region's strategic and economic potential.

Despite not being a member of the Arctic Council, China has declared itself a “near-Arctic state,” primarily to take advantage of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). While the NSR is currently impassable for much of the year, it is expected to be ice-free by 2050 and navigable year-round by 2100, offering a faster route between Asia and Europe, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

China’s growing military presence in the Arctic has raised alarms. Over the past two years, China has strengthened its cooperation with Russia, including joint coastguard patrols in the Bering Strait and, more significantly, its first-ever strategic bomber patrol over the Arctic. This increased military collaboration is viewed by many Western officials as part of China’s broader ambitions in the region.

Experts suggest that China is keen on establishing a covert military presence beneath the Arctic ice, potentially deploying missile submarines as part of its strategic deterrence. While much of China’s current activity focuses on scientific research and exploration, concerns have been raised about dual-use purposes. 

China’s Yellow River research station in Svalbard, Norway, has attracted scrutiny due to its potential military links, as has its research facility in Iceland. Additionally, China’s growing fleet of icebreakers, including a nuclear-powered ship currently under development, could have both research and military applications. China’s economic interests in the Arctic are also significant, with Chinese companies investing in major Russian liquefied natural gas projects. 

The number of Chinese-owned companies operating in the region has surged, highlighting the growing economic and strategic importance of the Arctic to China. As China and Russia continue to increase their cooperation, NATO and Western intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments in this increasingly contested region.

By Naila Huseynova