E-CKN event "China in the Arctic and Implications for the EU"

On behalf of the European China Knowledge Network (E-CKN), we are delighted to invite you to a closed-door online discussion round titled “China in the Arctic and Implications for the EU", which will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 14.00-15.00 CET. 

The geopolitical tensions have been increasing in the High North, amplified by US pressure on Greenland to safeguard broader Arctic security. US President Donald Trump has argued his ambition to wrest sovereignty over Greenland from Denmark as essential to countering Russia and China’s influence in the Arctic. China’s foreign ministry has criticized Washington’s use of what it calls “the China threat” to undermine international law. Still, Beijing’s Arctic policy describes China as a “near-Arctic” state and also defined the region a “strategic new frontier.” Further, China has in the past signaled interest in Greenland’s infrastructure and critical-minerals sectors. Growing rifts in transatlantic relations could put China at a disadvantage, as greater attention on the Arctic could subject its presence and ambitions in the High North to geopolitical pushback. At the same time, however, these tensions offer China the opportunity to present itself to Europe as a more stable and predictable partner. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to assess China’s involvement in the Arctic, define its interests in the region, and evaluate whether Trump's assessment that China poses a significant challenge is correct. 

This online event will bring together experts to discuss the developments in the complex Arctic landscape, China’s interests in the Arctic, and options for the European Union going forward, given geopolitical tensions. 

The speakers at the event will be: 

• Helena Legarda, Head of Program for the Foreign Relations Team, MERICS 
• Louise van Schaik, Head of EU & Global Affairs, Clingendael Institute 
• Patrik Andersson, Analyst, Swedish National China Centre at UI 

Bernhard Bartsch, Director External Relations at MERICS will moderate the event.

Please note that the meeting is confidential and by personal invitation only. 

E-CKN is an initiative by the German Mercator Institute for China Studies, the Dutch China Knowledge Network and Swedish National China Centre. E-CKN partners with key Brussels-based organizations and other (cross-)national efforts to expand and connect China expertise across Europe.