Dr. Matthew Funaiole and Mr. Brian Hart dive into China's polar ambitions, highlighting its strategic interests in the Arctic and Antarctic. Funaiole discusses the implications of China's new research station in Antarctica, emphasizing its dual-use potential. Hart elaborates on the challenges China faces in forming Arctic partnerships and its cooperation with Russia. Their analysis also underscores the importance of transparency in China's polar operations and the significant implications for U.S. security interests and global governance.
41:21
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
China's Antarctic Research Station
China strategically placed its fifth research station, Chen Ling Station, in Antarctica to enhance its coverage and research capabilities.
The station's planned satellite ground station raises concerns about potential dual-use for military and intelligence purposes.
insights INSIGHT
China's Polar Ambitions
China aims to expand its global influence through various means, including scientific and commercial ventures in the polar regions.
These ventures often involve incremental and subtle approaches that don't always grab headlines.
insights INSIGHT
New Strategic Frontiers
China views the polar regions, deep sea, cyberspace, and outer space as "new strategic frontiers" open for competition.
They aim to outpace rivals and shape global rules in these areas.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Matthew Funaiole and Mr. Brian Hart join us to discuss China’s ambitions in the polar regions. They start by explaining China’s scientific, commercial, strategic, and diplomatic interests in the polar regions and how the polar regions fit into China’s broader strategy of leveraging “new strategic frontiers” to expand its influence, outpace rivals, and set global rules and norms. Dr. Funaiole touches on the differing geopolitical environments of the Arctic and Antarctic and how this shapes Beijing’s approaches to the two regions. Mr. Hart then provides insights on the dual-use potential of China’s polar research stations and how China can use these to achieve military and intelligence goals. They then discuss China’s challenges in forming Arctic partnerships and its growing collaboration with Moscow. They conclude with an assessment of the significance to U.S. security interests and offer thoughts on how Washington can work with allies and partners to advance their shared interests.
Matthew P. Funaiole is vice president of the iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation, and senior fellow in the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He specializes in using data-driven research to address complex policy issues, with a focus on Chinese foreign policy, dual-use technology, and maritime trade. In 2022, he launched the “Hidden Reach” initiative, which leverages open-source intelligence to uncover poorly understood sources of Chinese influence and examine how China advances its strategic interests through commercial and scientific ventures.
Brian Hart is deputy director and fellow of the China Power Project at CSIS, and he also helps to lead the CSIS “Hidden Reach” initiative. Brian’s research focuses on Chinese foreign and security policy, China’s military and defense industrial base, Taiwan security issues, U.S.-China relations, and Chinese technology policy.
ChinaPower