The Arctic region is rapidly transforming from a peripheral region to a
global theatre with an increasing number of non-Arctic stakeholders. One
illustration of this transformation process is the growing presence of
China in the Arctic. This report first discusses China’s changing role
in global affairs (Chapter 1). This provides background for exploring
China’s interests, role and presence in the Arctic. The study of China’s
presence in the region is carried out through the lens of the Chinese
government’s four priority areas towards the region as expressed in the
country’s first official Arctic statement – the White Paper – from
January 2018 (Chapter 2). Further, Chinese interests and actions in the
Arctic are studied from the viewpoint of one particular Arctic State,
Finland. The authors provide an overview of a broad spectrum of
Chinese-Finnish interactions in different contexts, including
investments in Northern Finland and co-operation within the areas of
Finnish Arctic expertise and research. In addition, concerns and risks
related to interaction with Chinese actors are discussed (Chapter 3).
Over the past decade, China has undertaken an effort to demonstrate its
growing knowledge of, and commitment to, the Arctic region. Some actors
and experts are concerned about China’s aims and actions in the region,
while others express hope for Chinese institutions, investors and
companies to contribute to regional development and knowledge-building.
The report presents a balanced and multifaceted, although necessarily
not fully comprehensive, picture of China’s rise as an actor in the
Arctic.