China and the Antarctic: Presence, policy, perception, and public diplomacy

China has made significant investments in Antarctica and has become an active participant in Antarctic governance. Its activities in Antarctica in particular appear to be designed to ensure that China will not be left out should there be beneficial opportunities in Antarctica in the future. In some Western narratives, China has become a so-called ‘challenger’ due to their perception of China being ‘aggressive’ in the polar regions. However, this point has its own counter argument based on the common practice of states to actively join international institutions and subsequently update their domestic law-making process. China appears to have taken a two-fold approach in Antarctic governance—being generally both supportive of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) and also keen to make its own mark in shaping future development of the ATS in a manner that promotes China’s interests. The outcomes of China’s polar investments may well bring as much benefit to itself as to many other interested players. It is important that China continues to support current norms that promote cooperation and limit competition or challenge them.