US Lawmakers Issue Warning About China’s ‘Controversial’ Research Activities in the Arctic
According to U.S. lawmakers, China’s research activities in the Arctic might have significant security implications for the United States. The House China panel has urged the State Department and the Pentagon to address the “problematic” Chinese research in the Arctic that could have both civilian and military applications. This could pose security risks to the U.S. and its NATO allies. The bipartisan House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) expressed concerns in a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Oct. 16.
Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), chairman and ranking Democrat member of the panel, highlighted that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been expanding its dual civil-military research efforts in the Arctic region. They emphasized the importance of working with allies to maintain defense treaty commitments in the critical region.
The letter emphasized China’s efforts to gain access and exert influence in the Arctic, particularly through satellite communication ground stations and scientific research, enhancing the operational effectiveness of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and advancing the PRC’s global ambitions.
The lawmakers called for an evaluation of the threats posed by Chinese research involvement in the Arctic, especially in areas like missile defense, submarine detection, and satellite tracking capabilities. They requested a response by Nov. 15.
China has partnered with Russia to expand its military and coast guard presence in the Arctic region, known for its significant oil and natural gas reserves. China declared itself a “near-Arctic” state and included the “Polar Silk Road” in its Belt and Road Initiative.
China’s Research Stations in NATO Allies
The letter highlighted China’s research stations in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago and Iceland. Chinese research facilities like the Arctic Yellow River Station have raised concerns about potential military uses, especially in areas like missile guidance, radar detection, satellite communications, and more.
Lawmakers also expressed worry about data collected by the China-Iceland Arctic Science Observatory (CIAO), which could enhance China’s military surveillance and target tracking capabilities. A lack of transparency and security review in Iceland raised additional concerns about Chinese research activities on Icelandic territory.
The State Department and the Pentagon have acknowledged concerns about China’s increased presence in the Arctic region, emphasizing the need for transparency, rule of law, and compliance with international obligations.
The Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.
