The Japan News published an article titled, “Be wary of China’s move to secure greater interests in Arctic Circle”. The article reads in part as follows;
“China’s latest move can be described as clarifying its will to expand its influence in the Arctic Ocean, as part of efforts to transform itself into a great maritime power.
The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping has released its first white paper on Arctic policies.
The document asserts that nations that do not have territorial waters and territory in the Arctic Circle possess “the rights and freedom … to carry out activities” there, demonstrating China’s policy of increasing its involvement in a wide range of fields in the region.
China called routes across the Arctic Ocean the “Ice Silk Road,” and emphasized efforts to make progress in the development and utilization of the region. Linking the “Ice Silk Road” initiative to the “One Belt, One Road” policy, which seeks to build a huge economic zone comprising land and sea “Silk Road” routes, the country urged other nations to join its new initiative.
