The launch of the Chinese icebreaker
China recently unveiled a new icebreaker, the Tan Suo San Hao (Explorer 3), designed to conduct scientific and archaeological research in the deep waters of the polar regions. Introduced last week in Sanya, in the southern province of Hainan, this multifunctional vessel offers an impressive range of 17,261 nautical miles, or approximately 27,779 kilometers. This launch is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the Chinese presence in the polar regions, illustrated by the recent commissioning of three other icebreakers. The ships Xuelong, Xuelong 2 and Zhong Shan Da Xue Jidi were deployed between July and August 2024 during the launch of China’s 41st Antarctic Expedition. Furthermore, China has established several observation and research centers in Iceland, Sweden, Finland and the Svalbard archipelago, confirming Beijing’s strategic commitment to developing its scientific and logistical capabilities in the Arctic as well as in Antarctica.
Technological and scientific research
Independently designed and built by Chinese engineers, the ship is intended to carry out polar exploration missions while strengthening the country’s technological autonomy and ocean research capabilities. China thus becomes the second country, after Russia, to be able to send researchers to the seabed of the polar regions for scientific exploration. In addition to human dives, the Tan Suo San Hao is equipped with aquatic drones specially designed for research in deep waters and hostile environments. The ship also benefits from new intelligent remote control technologies, making it possible to collect precise data on the constitution of the seabed, a major asset for future ocean research and exploitation in the Arctic.
China turns to the Arctic
The launch of this icebreaker comes against a backdrop of intensifying China’s polar ambitions and underlines its growing role in Arctic geopolitics. The collaboration between China and Finland, the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1950, constitutes a key element of this strategy. A notable moment in this partnership dates back to 2013, when China became a permanent observer at the Arctic Council, thanks in particular to the support of Finland. This status has strengthened Beijing’s legitimacy in its efforts to develop infrastructure in the Arctic and promote the Polar Silk Road, which is part of the global “Belt and Road” initiative. Another major component of China’s Arctic strategy is its partnership with Russia. Several of the new polar routes pass through Russia, which has led to strengthening Sino-Russian relations. China has invested in key energy projects, such as Russia’s Yamal Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in 2017, located in the Yamal Peninsula, as well as Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 project, initiated by the gas producer Russian gas Novatek.
