The EU, China and new transportation routes on the Top of the World

The aim of this article is to have a closer look at the potential of new transport routes between China and the EU through the Northeast Passage along the Russian Northern coast. The opening of the Arctic Ocean in the summer months presents yet another opportunity for cooperation between both actors, who have increasingly paid attention to developments in the High North. However, to ensure safe transportation in and through the Arctic, the shipping industry still has to overcome a number of important challenges, the main one of which is surviving the Arctic’s harsh climate.

The article first looks at the correlation between the strategic role of international shipping and the importance of trade exchanges between the EU and China. Secondly, it describes the on-going changes in the Arctic Ocean, their
commercial implications and, to date, the respective interests of the EU and China in the region. Finally, it concludes by looking at the challenges that must be overcome in order to enhance transport operations and trade via the High North.

College of Europe: Postgraduate programmes: EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies: Research Activities: EU China Observer http://www.coleurope.eu/template.asp?pagename=EUCO

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