China has sent three icebreakers into the Arctic region for the first time, reflecting its growing ambitions in the polar regions. According to Aidan Powers-Riggs, a research associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), this move indicates that China is positioning itself to capitalize on major physical and geopolitical shifts in the Arctic. The icebreakers—Xue Long 2, Ji Di, and Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di—are being used for scientific research and resource exploration, with one of the vessels docking in Russia’s Murmansk after transiting the Northern Sea Route. This operation follows China’s description of itself as a “near-Arctic state,” despite being geographically distant from the region.
The deployment of these vessels coincided with the early return of the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Healy due to an onboard fire, which curtailed its Arctic research mission. The Healy is one of only two operational U.S. icebreakers, highlighting a growing gap in capabilities as China expands its presence in the Arctic. Powers-Riggs noted that Beijing is advancing its commercial, scientific, and military interests in the Arctic, while the U.S. has struggled to maintain consistent operations due to aging infrastructure.
China’s cooperation with Russia in the Arctic is a particular point of concern for other Arctic states, as the two nations have increased coordination on shipping routes, resource development, and polar ship technology. Beijing has been expanding its activities in the region, including mineral extraction and using the Northern Sea Route for oil imports from Russia. This route cuts shipping times significantly compared to traditional passages like the Suez Canal, demonstrating China’s commercial interest in Arctic waters.
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