What is the Polar Silk Road (PSR)?

The Polar Silk Road (also called the Arctic Silk Road) is an infrastructural-connectivity project by China to integrate Arctic sea routes (especially the Northern Sea Route, along Russia’s Arctic coast) into its Belt and Road / maritime projection strategy. 

In its 2018 “Arctic Policy,” China formally identified the Arctic as a domain of interest, asserting itself as a “Near-Arctic State” and announced to engage in shipping, resource development, scientific research, and governance.

How is the Arctic Becoming Navigable?

Rapid Ice Melt and Warming

• The Arctic is warming at about 4 times the global average, causing a steep decline in summer sea ice extent and thickness.
• Some Arctic sea lanes, especially parts of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), are becoming navigable for a larger fraction of the year (summer + parts of spring/fall).
• Technological & Logistical Advances
  • Better icebreaking ships, hull designs, navigation aids, satellite mapping, and hydrographic surveys reduce risks. China mentions hydrographic surveys and navigation capacity in its white paper.
  • Coordinated efforts in ice monitoring, satellite reconnaissance, and weather forecasting improve route planning.

  Political & Commercial Push

  • Trial voyages are being undertaken to test feasibility, build experience, and signal operational intent.
  • China and Russia are exploring infrastructure, port upgrades, and logistical support along Arctic coasts.

  What Makes the Polar Silk Road Significant for China?

  Shorter Trade Routes and Economic Efficiency

  • The Arctic route can reduce the distance (and hence time and fuel) between East Asia and Europe compared to routes through the Suez Canal or via the Indian Ocean.
  • This gives China an alternative to reliance on chokepoints (e.g. Strait of Malacca, Suez) and allows more flexibility in supply chains.

  Resource Access & Energy Security

  • The Arctic is believed to hold significant reserves of oil, gas, minerals, and non-living resources.
  • China has stakes in Russian Arctic energy projects (e.g. Yamal LNG) and is interested in deeper integration.