U.S.-China Arctic Cooperation in a New Era of Great Power Competition: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This article examines the current opportunities for and constraints on the U.S.-China cooperation in the Arctic. It argues that, despite ongoing tensions between the United States and China on many issues, there are numerous concrete opportunities for the two countries to develop dialogue and cooperation concerning the Arctic and Arctic Peoples. To substantiate this argument and enrich the existing literature on U.S.-China relations in the Arctic, this article focuses on three issue areas where the two powers could develop trust and cooperation: (1) the freedom of navigation in the Arctic Ocean, (2) the implementation of new science-based Arctic treaties, and (3) Alaska-China economic relations. Given the current state of U.S.-China relations, this article advocates a bottom-to-top approach based on the concept and practice of science diplomacy to facilitate the development of U.S.-China Arctic cooperation.