East Asia (Japan, South Korea and China) and the Arctic

Abstract

This chapter explores East Asian interest and involvement in the Arctic region. Japan, China and South Korea have been paying close attention to the changes occurring in the Arctic and the implications of those changes for new shipping routes and the improved potential for resource extraction. While concerns that these countries have plans to take over the Arctic are very much overblown, their investments in the Arctic pale in comparison to their investments in other parts of the world, all three nations are likely to be significantly involved in future Arctic development through scientific research, international shipping and resource development.