US Lawmakers Express Concern Over China's 'Problematic' Research in Arctic
The House China panel has urged the State Department and the Pentagon to take more robust measures to address what they deem as "problematic" Chinese research in the Arctic. This research could potentially be utilized for both civilian and military purposes. The lawmakers expressed concerns that these activities could pose significant security risks to the United States and its NATO allies.
Increased Chinese Influence in the Arctic
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) voiced its concerns in a letter dated Oct. 16, addressed to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The lawmakers pointed out that in recent years, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has escalated its efforts to gain access to and wield influence in the Arctic. This includes expanding dual civil-military research efforts in the region.
The lawmakers stressed that the Arctic is crucial to U.S. national security interests and the defense of the homeland. They emphasized the need to work with allies to preserve defense treaty commitments. They also noted that China’s access to the Arctic for satellite communication ground stations and scientific research significantly enhances the operational effectiveness of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and furthers the PRC’s global ambitions.
China's Collaboration with Russia
China has collaborated with Russia to augment its military and coast guard presence in the Arctic region. This region is estimated to harbor 13 percent of the planet’s undiscovered oil and 30 percent of its undiscovered natural gas reserves, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Recently, China announced that its coast guard vessels had ventured into the Arctic Ocean for the first time, conducting patrols alongside Russian ships in waters where the CCP had long sought to exert its influence.
Despite being 900 miles away from the Arctic Circle, China has declared itself a “near-Arctic” state and has added the “Polar Silk Road ” to its Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative is a multibillion-dollar project aimed at bolstering Beijing’s geopolitical sway by building ports, railways, and other infrastructure worldwide.
China's Research Stations in NATO Allies
Norway’s Svalbard archipelago is a key location for the CCP’s Arctic ambitions. The first Chinese research station, the Arctic Yellow River Station, was established in Svalbard in 2004. The China Research Institute of Radiowave Propagation (CRIRP), a unit of China Electronics Technology Group Corp., operates at the station. The Pentagon has designated this group as a military-controlled company.
The lawmakers expressed concern that some CRIRP projects in Svalbard could have significant military uses. China also operates research centers in another NATO member state, Iceland. The China–Iceland Arctic Science Observatory (CIAO) was formally established in 2018, but data collection began in 2013. The lawmakers expressed concern that China could use this data to improve the accuracy of its radar systems that detect submarines, ships, and aircraft across long distances, thereby improving military surveillance and target tracking.
US Reaction to China's Arctic Activities
The State Department declined to comment on the congressional correspondence but emphasized U.S. concerns about the CCP’s growing presence in the Arctic region. A department spokesperson expressed concerns about the PRC’s increased activities and presence in the Arctic, including dual-use capable scientific research, which could be used for future military operations.
Bottom Line
The growing presence and activities of China in the Arctic region have raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers. They have called for stronger measures to address the potential security risks posed by China's research in the region. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the question remains: how will the U.S. and its allies respond to these developments? What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
