The Chinese polar research icebreaker Xue Long (Snow Dragon).
As the ice in the High North diminishes, Arctic and non-Arctic states are seeking to explore the vast potential of the region. Congruent with its aspirations of great power status and achieving economic security, China—which calls itself a “near-Arctic’ state—has furthered its Arctic interests by conducting extensive scientific research and investment in the region. Chinese interest in the Arctic has been rising for years, and the January release of a white paper entitled “China’s Arctic Policy” offers insights into Beijing’s Arctic ambitions.
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