Chinese Arctic Narratives: How Chinese Media is Approaching the Nordic-Arctic States
Chinese Arctic Narratives: How Chinese Media is Approaching the Nordic-Arctic States

Author(s): Viesturs Bērziņš
Subject(s): Media studies, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Politics and communication, Comparative politics, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Politics and Identity
Published by: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Keywords: Chinese media; Nordic-Arctic states; Constructivism and identity; Iceland; Sweden; Norway; Finland; Denmark; ‘Near Arctic’ identity;
Summary/Abstract: The world we live in is constantly changing. As Heraclitus once famously stated: ‘The only thing constant is change itself’. History has shown us that certain geographical regions can suddenly become the centre of attention. A territory that has caught international attention recently is the Arctic. A frozen, fairly untamed area that is mostly known for glaciers, polar bears, and endless wilderness is starting to emerge as a centrepiece of the global agenda. Minerals, vast waters for fishing and shipping, as well as strategic importance are some of the Arctic’s key points of attraction. Many states have expressed interest in extending their reach and developments in the Arctic. Yet, one of the states that is actively participating in Arctic endeavours is attracting more scholarly attention than the others – China. Not only is it located nearly 1500 kilometres away from the Arctic Circle, it also has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. This has led some experts to wonder whether it is possible for Arctic states to remain in complete control of the contested region. China’s interest in the region has resulted in it becoming one of thirteen observer states of the Arctic Council. The organisation can be considered the de facto most important intergovernmental forum for Arctic affairs.

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