Lords Committee examines China’s strategic interests in the Arctic
Friday 9 June 2023
On Wednesday 14 June the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee will hear evidence from a panel of senior academics about China’s key interests, priorities, and economic and foreign policy approach regarding the Arctic region. The session will also discuss how the UK should respond to China’s growing interest in the Arctic.
The session will start at 10.35am and will be available to watch live or on demand on Parliament TV, or attend in person in Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster.
Giving evidence will be:
10.35am
- Dr Gørild Heggelund, Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansens Institute; and
- Dr Marc Lanteigne, Associate Professor, University of Tromsø.
Questions for discussion will include:
- What are China’s key interests and priorities with regard to the Arctic? Was China’s 2018 Arctic policy paper an indication that the region has increased in importance in China’s foreign policy? Chinese statements have referred to China becoming a “polar great power” by 2030. What is meant by this?
- How substantial is Chinese scientific expertise on the Arctic? Is there significant cooperation with China on Arctic research?
- From China’s perspective, how important are (1) current and (2) future Arctic maritime routes for Chinese shipping?
- What approach should the Arctic 7 and their partners, including the UK, take towards growing Chinese interest in the Arctic?
- China became an Arctic Council Observer State in 2013. What is China’s approach to the Arctic Council? Is China a status quo or a revisionist state with regard to Arctic governance and international law in the Arctic?
