Situated 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle between Finland and Russia, Kirkenes is positioned at the gateway to the most feasible polar shipping route connecting China to Europe.
As Arctic sea ice recedes, this proximity has catapulted Kirkenes into the spotlight of Beijing’s strategic plans to secure a foothold in the Arctic. China is exploring the development of a deep-water port at the western end of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), identifying it as a critical juncture on its envisioned Polar Silk Road. Kirkenes, as the nearest town with direct access to European markets, stands as the optimal first stop for Chinese vessels exiting Russian waters.
The unity among the eight-nation Arctic coalition, which previously aimed to limit China’s influence, has been disrupted by the Ukraine conflict, dividing Russia from the seven NATO members. Concurrently, climate change is rendering the Arctic more accessible to distant nations and corporations.
Chinese entities are keen to transform Kirkenes into Northern Europe’s largest port. However, Norway and its allies are cautious about allowing Beijing any control over strategic infrastructures that are pivotal for both trade and potential military uses.
China’s intensified focus on the Arctic is concerning, particularly as it “is the only strategic competitor with the capability and intent to reshape the international order,” according to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. This sentiment reflects the growing vigilance from other Arctic nations towards China’s actions.
Moreover, Beijing classifies the Arctic as one of the “new frontiers” for future influence, alongside other domains like deep-sea, space, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence.
In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its readiness to enhance cooperation with regional countries to foster the development and ecological preservation of Arctic shipping lanes.
Mistrust between the US and China has escalated due to factors including military tensions over Taiwan. This skepticism is exacerbated by incidents such as the discovery of ‘spy balloons’ and underwater listening devices attributed to China, which NATO views with suspicion.
The opacity of China’s political maneuvers, led by Xi Jinping’s Communist Party, has heightened concerns among US allies regarding Beijing’s long-term strategic goals in the Arctic and globally.
Despite the geopolitical headwinds, China sees the Arctic as a key arena for future geopolitical competition and an area where global norms are yet to solidify, notes Patrik Andersson of the Swedish National China Center.
At Kirkenes port, Director Terje Jorgensen notes the continuous influx of Chinese delegations, including business and industrial groups, reflecting a strong interest in the port’s expansion to facilitate global trade. Jorgensen, a former Norwegian military officer, envisions a port capable of handling over a million 20-foot shipping containers annually within his lifetime.
Recent developments, however, have shown China’s proposals, such as those by China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. for a $2 billion port expansion, facing governmental hesitancy in Norway. The Norwegian government remains non-committal about such Chinese investments, awaiting more regulatory clarity.
The evolving dynamics underscore a broader hesitation among Arctic nations to embrace Chinese investments amidst growing geopolitical tensions, highlighting the intricate balance between economic opportunities and national security concerns in the Arctic.
