China is eying the natural resources and potential for year-round shipping lanes across the region. They think they should have a say:
So far, China hasn't unveiled an official Arctic policy. But the world's second-largest economy is apparently preparing to play a key role in securing the region's riches.
"Countries closer to the Arctic, such as Iceland, Russia, Canada, and a few other European countries may tend to wish the Arctic were private or that they had priority to develop it," Cui Hongjian, head of the European department of the China Institute for International Studies, told reporters before Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Europe. "But China insists that the Arctic belongs to everyone just like the moon."
Like the moon, they say.
But unlike the Yellow Sea where China gets upset if our warships exercise with the South Koreans.
And unlike the East China Sea which Japan had best vacate if they know best.
And unlike the South China Sea which China says is their home territory-- and is indeed their City of Sansha.
And unlike India, which China claims occupies Chinese territory.
You have to love the chutzpah. If territory is close to China, it is China's territory. If it is close to others? Well, they need to share.
But of course China has a policy that covers the Arctic. The policy is that if China wants it, it is their territory. Simple.
So who knows what could become a core interest of China in the future that everyone else needs to just back the eff off from China's control?
Could be the Arctic. Could be the Moon. Who knows?
