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Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler
How so? I am curious.
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While China is not an Arctic littoral state, it will have significant clout with its Arctic demands from the eight Arctic states, particularly Russia, using its economic power to maximize its returns on arctic trade and exploration. They continually push for a seat on the Arctic Council, have research stations on both poles, are are investing in snowbreakers for further Northern exploration.
With regards to ice breakers, the Chinese have an easier time allocating $300 million to new ships than the U.S. could, especially since they have far more cash reserves and don't have to answer to the general public with regards to military spending. This is in addition to a growing naval force that now includes aircraft carriers (one for now, but more on the way).
And lets not forget that 70% of China's energy consumption comes from coal power; almost 10% of coal is found in the Arctic.