The newly warming Arctic is stirring a race among global powers, particularly China, the US, and Russia, each eager to stake their claims on untapped resources and new trade routes, amid growing tensions and geopolitical rivalries.
**Arctic Scramble: Superpowers Clash Over Polar Resources**
**Arctic Scramble: Superpowers Clash Over Polar Resources**
As global warming opens new avenues in the Arctic, competition intensifies among nations for control over its resources.
In late 2023, the moment Magnus Mæland assumed the role of mayor of a small town on Norway’s northern edge, three delegations from China approached him. "They aspire to be a polar superpower," he explained, emphasizing the competitiveness within the Arctic as a domain increasingly desirable to leading nations. While China may not be the first nation that comes to mind concerning Arctic endeavors, its ambition is clear: to boost its presence through investments in real estate and infrastructure.
China markets itself as a "near-Arctic state," even if its northernmost major city, Harbin, sits at a latitude comparable to Venice. However, within this region, fierce competition is unfolding among Russia, Europe, India, the US, and China for influence and resources. Experts warn that the Arctic is warming at an alarming rate—four times faster than other parts of the planet—leading to significant ecological, wildlife, and community changes.
Environmental shifts are leading to new maritime trade routes that can drastically reduce shipping durations between Asia and Europe, as thawing ice unveils massive natural reserves of critical minerals, oil, and natural gas—estimated to encompass 30% of untapped natural gas supplies globally.
Kirkenes, a town that aspires to be the primary European port for incoming Chinese freight, remains hesitant about allowing too much foreign control, particularly from Beijing. As the port director Terje Jørgensen outlines plans to establish a new international trans-shipment port, he emphasizes the town will not sell land to foreign entities while adhering to Norwegian laws that restrict property transfers that could threaten national security.
Mayor Mæland acknowledges a desire for collaboration with China but insists on avoiding over-dependence on authoritarian regimes. Recent rejections of Chinese investments in European Arctic infrastructure reflect a growing hesitation towards Chinese influence. This shift has pushed China towards forming closer economic ties with Russia, the dominant Arctic power possessing control over half of the Arctic’s coastline.
Russia’s grabbing of Chinese investments is coupled with military cooperation, as demonstrated by joint coast guard operations and military exercises in the region. With NATO countries, except for Russia, bordering the Arctic, both countries’ moves appear aimed to showcase their strength to NATO.
Andreas Østhagen from the Fridtjof Nansen Institute describes the Arctic’s increasing significance for Russia and China, with both nations exploring ways to cultivate deeper economic and military alliances, despite China’s caution against becoming too entangled with Russia.
In the meantime, Norway remains acutely aware of the potential threats from Russia, especially against the backdrop of mounting tensions post-Ukraine invasion. Residents of Kirkenes have long lived under the shadow of the nearby Russian border, which heightens their state of alert due to increased espionage incidents and military preparedness. Norway’s military command operates extensive surveillance in Arctic territory to monitor possible Russian incursions.
As geopolitical tensions rise, they echo through the stunning archipelago of Svalbard, central to the ongoing international competition for Arctic resources. Although designated as Norwegian territory, Svalbard is governed by a treaty allowing citizens from signatory nations to work there without a visa. Recent nationalist sentiments have been rising since the Ukraine war, with military showcases from Russian settlements and suspicions toward Chinese research stations.
Indigenous communities are particularly concerned about the growing strain and territorial conflicts, referring to the scenario as “green colonialism” driven by a scramble for resources that neglects their rights and heritage. Activist Miyuki Daorana noted that the current wave of resource competition feels distinctly different, labeling it a serious situation unlike previous times.
Amid the historic call for Arctic cooperation among nations, the spectre of major power politics now overshadows relationships, raising suspects of miscalculations and misunderstandings leading to further tensions in this rapidly changing region.
China markets itself as a "near-Arctic state," even if its northernmost major city, Harbin, sits at a latitude comparable to Venice. However, within this region, fierce competition is unfolding among Russia, Europe, India, the US, and China for influence and resources. Experts warn that the Arctic is warming at an alarming rate—four times faster than other parts of the planet—leading to significant ecological, wildlife, and community changes.
Environmental shifts are leading to new maritime trade routes that can drastically reduce shipping durations between Asia and Europe, as thawing ice unveils massive natural reserves of critical minerals, oil, and natural gas—estimated to encompass 30% of untapped natural gas supplies globally.
Kirkenes, a town that aspires to be the primary European port for incoming Chinese freight, remains hesitant about allowing too much foreign control, particularly from Beijing. As the port director Terje Jørgensen outlines plans to establish a new international trans-shipment port, he emphasizes the town will not sell land to foreign entities while adhering to Norwegian laws that restrict property transfers that could threaten national security.
Mayor Mæland acknowledges a desire for collaboration with China but insists on avoiding over-dependence on authoritarian regimes. Recent rejections of Chinese investments in European Arctic infrastructure reflect a growing hesitation towards Chinese influence. This shift has pushed China towards forming closer economic ties with Russia, the dominant Arctic power possessing control over half of the Arctic’s coastline.
Russia’s grabbing of Chinese investments is coupled with military cooperation, as demonstrated by joint coast guard operations and military exercises in the region. With NATO countries, except for Russia, bordering the Arctic, both countries’ moves appear aimed to showcase their strength to NATO.
Andreas Østhagen from the Fridtjof Nansen Institute describes the Arctic’s increasing significance for Russia and China, with both nations exploring ways to cultivate deeper economic and military alliances, despite China’s caution against becoming too entangled with Russia.
In the meantime, Norway remains acutely aware of the potential threats from Russia, especially against the backdrop of mounting tensions post-Ukraine invasion. Residents of Kirkenes have long lived under the shadow of the nearby Russian border, which heightens their state of alert due to increased espionage incidents and military preparedness. Norway’s military command operates extensive surveillance in Arctic territory to monitor possible Russian incursions.
As geopolitical tensions rise, they echo through the stunning archipelago of Svalbard, central to the ongoing international competition for Arctic resources. Although designated as Norwegian territory, Svalbard is governed by a treaty allowing citizens from signatory nations to work there without a visa. Recent nationalist sentiments have been rising since the Ukraine war, with military showcases from Russian settlements and suspicions toward Chinese research stations.
Indigenous communities are particularly concerned about the growing strain and territorial conflicts, referring to the scenario as “green colonialism” driven by a scramble for resources that neglects their rights and heritage. Activist Miyuki Daorana noted that the current wave of resource competition feels distinctly different, labeling it a serious situation unlike previous times.
Amid the historic call for Arctic cooperation among nations, the spectre of major power politics now overshadows relationships, raising suspects of miscalculations and misunderstandings leading to further tensions in this rapidly changing region.
