Polar Geopolitics

Greenland’s Critical Raw Material Potential and China’s Current Interest in the Arctic

In this episode of Polar Geopolitics, host Eric Pagli discusses China's growing interest in the Arctic, focusing on Greenland's critical raw material potential, with insights from China specialist Gerhard Hegelund and Greenland mining expert Nick Bake‑Heilman. The conversation explores China's 2018 Arctic strategy, its economic motivations versus geopolitical speculation, and the role of scientific research as a legitimacy tool. Bake‑Heilman outlines Greenland's shift from aggressive mining promotion after gaining self‑rule in 2009 to a more diversified, long‑term economic strategy, noting the challenges of high costs, infrastructure gaps, and recent bans on uranium mining. Both guests conclude that while China sees strategic value in Arctic resources, any involvement must be economically viable and is not currently a top priority for Beijing.