China’s Arctic campaign – What does China want in the region? 中国极地丝绸之路| DW Documentary德国之声纪录频道

Following the rise of China’s power in Africa, are we on the verge of seeing a Chinese Arctic? Certainly, the country is seeking to expand its influence in this geopolitically important area. The US is worried, while Russia smells business. But what are China’s plans for the region?

In 2013, the “Yong Sheng” made history: It was the first Chinese cargo ship to reach Europe via the Arctic. This promising route, which Beijing soon dubbed the “Polar Silk Road,” made the “Yong Sheng” a symbol of Chinese ambitions in the far north.

Increasingly self-confident, China is now expanding its sphere of influence bit by bit in the Arctic – a place of high geopolitical significance. The country’s influence is spreading, with projects that include investments in gas resources in the Russian Arctic on the Yamal Peninsula. In January 2018, China initiated the “Polar Silk Road” project. Now, the country is pursuing a rapprochement with Iceland and Norway through businessmen. China maintains a research station on Spitsbergen and has even started to define itself publicly as a country “close to the Arctic” – a status from which China hopes to derive new rights.

The Arctic seems a long way from Beijing. But Chinese president Xi Jinping has understood how important this region is. China’s need for resources is driving Xi Jinping to negotiate with the major Arctic powers, who largely view him with suspicion. The new geopolitics of the Arctic are playing out not only in world capitals and in the media, but also on the ground: Emissaries, entrepreneurs, and mediators are traveling to the strategic region. This group includes Chinese nationals as well as Norwegians, Icelanders, Swedes and Americans.

China is expanding. After “Chinafrica,” will we now also speak of “Chinarctica”? China, it is said, has time on its side. And in the meantime it is openly dreaming of superpower status. The Americans are worried, the Europeans are hesitant and the Russians are eager for investments. But what are China’s real goals?

随着中国在非洲的实力崛起，我们是否即将看到一个中国的北极？毫无疑问，中国正寻求在这个地缘政治重要区域扩大其影响力。美国感到担忧，而俄罗斯则闻到了商机。但中国对这个地区有何计划呢？

2013年，“永盛”号创造了历史：它是第一艘通过北极抵达欧洲的中国货船。这条有前途的航线很快被北京称为“极地丝绸之路”，使“永盛”成为了中国在北极野心的象征。

中国越来越自信，现在正在逐步扩大其在北极这一高度地缘政治重要地区的影响力。该国的影响力正在扩散，包括在俄罗斯北极地区的天然气资源投资项目。2018年1月，中国启动了“极地丝绸之路”项目。现在，中国正在通过商人与冰岛和挪威接近。中国在斯匹次卑尔根拥有一个研究站，甚至公开将自己定义为“北极附近的国家”——中国希望从这个地位中获得新的权利。

北极似乎远离北京。但中国国家主席习近平已经意识到这个地区的重要性。中国对资源的需求正驱使习近平与主要北极强国进行谈判，这些国家大多对他持怀疑态度。北极新的地缘政治正在不仅在世界各国首都和媒体中展开，而且在现场也在进行：代表团、企业家和调解人员正在前往这个战略地区。这个群体包括中国人以及挪威人、冰岛人、瑞典人和美国人。

中国正在扩张。在“中非”之后，现在我们也会谈论“中南极”吗？据说中国拥有时间的优势。与此同时，它公开梦想成为超级大国。美国人感到担忧，欧洲人犹豫不决，而俄罗斯则渴望投资。但中国的真正目标是什么？