Over the past two decades, the intensification both of Arctic regional relations and of Beijing's efforts to be recognised as a ‘near-Arctic state' has generated concern about Chinese intentions in the region.
On 26 January 2018, Beijing released China's Arctic Policy — a White Paper that outlines China's views of the Arctic region, its role within it and the goals and principles underpinning its Arctic activities. China issued the Policy in part to alleviate some of the concerns about Chinese Arctic involvement (namely, that China will undermine Arctic states' sovereignty, will disregard the livelihoods of those who reside there and will threaten environmental stability in its quest to secure greater access to the Arctic's resources and shipping routes).
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