China-U.S. cooperation in the Arctic Ocean: Prospects for a new Arctic exceptionalism?

Abstract

There are currently many sources of tension between the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America. In the Arctic, the relationship includes competition for influence as well as cooperation in governance, such as the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO) Fisheries Agreement. The prospect of further cooperation creates an opportunity for a new “Arctic exceptionalism,” in which China and the U.S. could move towards better mutual understanding. Doing so would benefit the Arctic and could help improve bilateral relations more generally. For example, China and the U.S. can work with other countries to improve research and governance of the Arctic Ocean. Regional governance agreements for commercial shipping and deep-sea mining in high-seas areas of the Arctic could build on the principles of the CAO Fisheries Agreement while building trust and shared commitment to a healthy Arctic Ocean, perhaps setting the stage for more ambitious collaborative efforts.