Why is China going polar? Understanding engagement and implications for the Arctic and Antarctica

Abstract

In a context of globalization of world economy, environmental change and progressive blurring of traditional borders, the Arctic and Antarctica have witnessed growing geopolitical competition. While in recent years, developments in the Arctic regarding geopolitics and governance-related issues, and energy resources management have been subject to academic enquiry, the same cannot be said regarding Antarctica. This chapter attempts to fill this gap by providing a comparative study focusing on China’s engagement of in the North and South Poles and its implications. It argues that China’s stance in the Arctic has been largely conditioned by the regional governance dynamics structured around the Arctic Council, whilst in Antarctica this country has attempted to explore the absence of both coastal states and more regulated interstate relations to carve for itself an advantageous position with the post-2048 South Pole governance perspectives in view.