China's Interests and Goals in the Arctic

As China's global role has grown, Chinese leaders seek to take advantage of economic opportunities afforded by the melting Arctic ice. The author contends they're preparing to confront the environmental consequences of Arctic climate change. U.S. - China relations in the Arctic have thus far been cooperative, but China's growing economic and political ties with Arctic states bear scrutiny, especially in the context of heightened tensions between Russia, China's strategic partner, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).