Researchers at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Iselin Stensdal and Gørild Heggelund, are the editors of the new academic book "China-Russia Relations in the Arctic: Friends in the Cold?". Recently published by the esteemed Palgrave Macmillan, the book delves into the increasingly complex relationship between China and Russia in the Arctic and how this relationship impacts international relations in a time marked by heightened geopolitical tension.

The Arctic as an Arena for Great Power Politics

Historically, the Arctic has been a region of cooperation. However, in recent years, the area has gained strategic significance as a potential arena for great power rivalry. This new book provides a thorough analysis of the cooperation between Russia, the largest Arctic state, and China, which also has ambitions in the Arctic. The book examines, among other things, how the war in Ukraine has affected the cooperation between these two countries and the potential consequences for the region’s future development.

‘The Arctic is shaped by global geopolitical forces, and the relationship between China and Russia is crucial for understanding how the great powers' interests and actions influence this part of the world,’ says Iselin Stensdal, researcher at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute and co-editor of the book.

China's Role and Geopolitical Impacts

Through contributions from leading experts, the book covers topics such as the USA-Russia-China ‘triangle’, China’s role in the Arctic Council, the geopolitical implications of the countries' cooperation, and major infrastructure projects like the Polar Silk Road. Together with their co-authors, Stensdal and Heggelund provide a nuanced picture of both converging and conflicting interests between the two countries.

‘The book aims to provide insight into why and how the Arctic interplay between Russia and China is so significant. Not only because of today's geopolitical tensions, but also because the Arctic is a region with critical resources and strategic importance for both countries,’ says Gørild Heggelund, senior researcher at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute and co-editor of the book.

Key Findings from the Book:

•    Despite official statements of close cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic, the researchers show that there are significant challenges and differences in how the two countries actually collaborate. China's interest in the Arctic is driven by national interests, and the collaboration tends to be more pragmatic than a deeply rooted alliance with Russia.

•    The war in Ukraine has had a direct impact on the relationship between China and Russia in the Arctic. The conflict has created new geopolitical divides, forcing China to carefully balance its cooperation with Russia to avoid further isolation from the West.

Policy Implications:

•    Policymakers should note that despite their shared interests in the Arctic, China and Russia do not always act in unison. This creates opportunities for Western actors to strategically engage in the region.

•    The Arctic Council is still a vital arena for coordinating international activities in the region and should be maintained.