Chinese-Russian cooperation in the Arctic: geopolitics and economics

Abstract

The article examines Chinese-Russian cooperation in projects for the Northern Sea Route (NSR) renovation. The authors compare priorities of the Chinese companies in the NSR modernization with the interests of the Russia in terms of the “development zones” concepts. The materials of the Main Directorate of the Northern Sea, the open materials from the project activities of Russian and Chinese companies allowed to present the geography of projects with the Chinese participation, to define the Russian Arctic regions that are of greatest interest to Chinese investments, as well as companies’ participation in the infrastructure projects. Based on statistical analysis, the study reveals the pattern of growth for China’s direct investment in infrastructure projects in the Russian Arctic zone. Highlights a positive trend in the development of Russian-Chinese cooperation, increase the proportion of the Chinese presence in modernization projects of NSR, in the sphere of production of hydrocarbons. Changing motivations Chinese business participation in infrastructure projects - from the desire to make available NSR for the carriage of goods from Asia to Europe to establish a reference ports for sales of commodity products of China. Obvious differences in opinion in the prospects for further cooperation of the Russia and China.