The arctic is becoming increasingly militarized as countries, including China, jostle for positions and to protect trading lanes and claims of different sorts. And while Canada has downplayed threats from China, it has complained about Chinese disregard for international rules and voiced concerns that China will repeat escalatory tactics in Canada’s arctic neighborhood. China introduced its Arctic policy in the beginning of 2018 in which it considers itself a “near-Arctic” state and seeks a leading role in the exploitation of new opportunities created by melting ice and expanded access. The Arctic also figures into its broader Belt and Road Initiative as a connector to Eurasia and beyond.
Source: China’s advances in Arctic may pose security threat to Canada – Asia Times