What's New Podcast - China in the Arctic

In this What’s New Episode, Serafima Andreeva and Erdem Lamazhapov talk about China and the Arctic in 2025. Photo: Serafima Andreeva

What’s New? is a podcast on Arctic geopolitics, governance, and security. Created and hosted by Serafima Andreeva, and supported by The Arctic Institute and the Fridtjof Nansen Institute. The podcast brings together leading experts from various fields of Arctic geopolitics and many Arctic and non-Arctic states to unpack key developments, challenge common misconceptions, and discuss the current dynamics of todays changing Arctic.

China in the Arctic

In this episode, Erdem Lamazhapov (PhD Research Fellow at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute) is a guest, and we explore China’s interests in the Arctic, focusing on scientific research, commercial ambitions (shipping), and geopolitical strategies. We talk about the Polar Silk Road initiative, China’s “identity” as a near-Arctic state, and common misconceptions about its role in the region. Additionally, the conversation addresses concerns about dual-use technologies in scientific research and speculates on future trends in China’s Arctic engagement amid rising great-power competition.

… and if you want to actually see Serafima and Erdem talk, check out the Youtube-session below!