[Report] As China Opens Arctic Shipping Route, Questions Flood In from Day One... Arctic Circle Assembly Becomes Diplomatic Battleground

[The Arctic, the New Route for Global Hegemony]①
The World’s Largest Arctic Forum Held from October 16 to 18
Over 2,000 Participants from 70 Countries Gather in One Place

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the closest capital city in the world to the Arctic. From October 16 to 18 (local time), more than 2,000 participants from 70 countries gathered here for the Arctic Circle Assembly, the world’s largest international forum focused on Arctic issues.

Unlike other conferences with a single set theme, the Arctic Circle Assembly features around 250 sessions held simultaneously on a wide range of topics. Not only do Arctic nations such as Iceland, Canada, Russia, the United States, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark (Greenland) participate, but non-Arctic countries like South Korea, Japan, and China also join. Politicians, professors, and professional researchers representing their respective countries delivered remarks on Arctic security, science, economy, and environmental issues. Since most Arctic research is supported by national governments, the researchers generally represented their countries' positions, making the event reminiscent of a diplomatic battleground.

On the 16th (local time), the opening plenary session of the '2025 Arctic Circle Assembly' was successfully held at the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland. Arctic Circle

On the first day of the Assembly, October 16, Harpa Concert Hall was bustling with people lining up for registration as early as 7:00 a.m., an hour and a half before the sessions began. The hall was filled with people in formal suits, casually dressed attendees eager to listen to lectures, scientists, individuals in traditional indigenous attire, climate organization activists, and university students.

Sessions related to the United States, China, and Russia were the most heated at the venue. This was largely due to U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly expressing his intention to purchase Greenland, a strategic hub for Arctic shipping routes, and China, in response, joining forces with Russia to successfully send a cargo ship through the Arctic route for the first time.

At 8:30 a.m. in the main hall, there were moves to establish a multilateral diplomatic framework led by the United States in the Arctic, which has emerged as a new route for global hegemony. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Angus King of Maine took questions from the audience on topics such as responding to Russia’s nuclear threats in the Arctic, the icebreaker construction agreement with Finland, attempts to acquire Greenland, recent hurricanes that hit Alaska due to climate change, and the cancellation of wind and renewable energy projects. Senator King stated, "The Arctic is becoming increasingly important in terms of resources, transportation, and military and national security issues," outlining the U.S. position on Arctic policy.

On the 16th at 9:40 a.m. local time, the session led by the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) and the Beijing Club of China was so popular that there were no seats left. Photo by Lee Hyunju

At 9:40 a.m., the session led by the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) and the Beijing Club of China was so popular that there were no seats left. Hong Nong, Executive Director of ICAS, commented on China’s leadership in developing Arctic shipping routes, saying, "China is asserting its presence in the Arctic through both bilateral cooperation with countries like Russia and multilateral collaboration." There were also concerns raised at the venue about the close strategic alignment between China and Russia regarding the Arctic. Henry Lee, Co-Chair of the Arctic Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, noted, "The Northern Sea Route along Russia’s northern coast is a major focus for China," adding, "In the past, when Arctic investment was limited, Chinese capital was welcomed, but now, except for Russia, other Arctic nations view China as a threat."

Although Russia did not send an official delegation or experts, its presence was felt everywhere, as it shares the longest border with the Arctic Ocean and was mentioned in every session.

Japan held a session to explain its past and future Arctic policies ahead of the completion of its new icebreaking research vessel, Mirai II. For this Assembly, Japan dispatched Princess Hisako of the Takamado family. An official from the Arctic Circle Assembly explained, "The participation of Japanese royalty sends a very strong diplomatic signal of Japan’s commitment to developing Arctic shipping routes to both the Arctic and its inhabitants."

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, expressed discomfort regarding U.S. territorial ambitions during the Assembly. Vivian Motzfeldt, Chair of the Arctic Council and Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized, "We are responsible for what we call our home (Greenland), and we want our ownership to be respected," adding, "The destiny and future of our nation will be determined by us."

On the 16th (local time), Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Senator Angus King of Maine are answering questions from the audience. Photo by Lee Hyunju

South Korea was represented at the Asia session by Jeong Byungha, Arctic Cooperation Representative, who spoke about the government and Korean companies’ efforts to pioneer Arctic shipping routes. Jeong stated, "We strive to be a reliable partner for both Arctic and non-Arctic countries. Over the past several decades, as a steadfast observer state of the Arctic Council, South Korea has focused on leveraging its research capabilities, institutes, and assets such as icebreaking research vessels to address shared environmental challenges, respond to climate change, and promote sustainable development and joint scientific research."

Meanwhile, a unique feature of the Arctic Circle Assembly is that anyone can ask questions to the speakers during any session. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, former President of Iceland and chairman as well as host of the opening ceremony, said, "The fundamental principle of the Arctic Circle is to involve everyone," adding, "This gathering is not just a venue for those in power or leaders to give speeches or presentations, but a place where all participants have equal rights to speak and ask questions, fostering dialogue and cooperation."