That's quite a ways away:
But I suppose that if China can call itself a "near-Arctic nation"* the UAE should be able to head for Svalbard (and the rumored undersea riches the Norwegians have been looking for).
From The Barents Observer, April 7:
The Emirates joins Svalbard Treaty
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially joined the Svalbard Treaty, in a move said to strengthen the country’s role in Arctic science.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) quoted Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Balalaa as saying that the UAE’s accession to the treaty opens new avenues for scientific and environmental cooperation.
It is “enabling our scientists to contribute directly to global research initiatives at stations such as Ny-Ålesund — one of the northernmost permanent civilian research stations in the world,” Balalaa said.
“We will continue to expand our polar programmes and strengthen international partnerships that enhance climate resilience and serve future generations,” he added.
The Emirates is the 49th signatory to the 1920 Svalbard Treaty. The most recent countries to join prior to the UAE were Turkey in 2024, Serbia in 2022 (Yugoslavia acceded to the treaty in 1925), and North Korea in 2016.
The joining of the Svalbard Treaty comes after UAE's accession to the Antarctic Treaty in December 2024. The country's Foreign Ministry then said: "the UAE’s participation reflects its growing role in global environmental diplomacy and its commitment to multilateral processes that safeguard fragile ecosystems."...
....MUCH MORE
*If interested see:
September 2024 -Meanwhile, In The Arctic: "Svalbard-research becomes more important for China, professor says"
Regarding China in the Great White North:
"China’s Emerging Strategies in the Arctic"
"China’s Polar Strategy: An Emerging Gray Zone?"
"Pentagon warns of risk of Chinese submarines in the Arctic"
"Don't Fear China's Arctic Takeover"
"How To Avoid A Naval Cold War In The High North"
Natural Gas: "Chinese oilmen make big discovery in Russian Arctic waters"
"China opens bids for first nuclear-powered icebreaker"
China seeks a more active role in the Arctic
China defines itself as a near-Arctic state and says it will actively participate with wisdom and strength to future protection and development. Roger that, wisdom and strength, over.Flashback, June 2018:
...On the other hand, if you read Xinhua's translation of January's "Full text: China's Arctic Policy" you'll note they call themselves a ‘Near-Arctic state’.Additionally China is couching their interest in terms of research:
This is to counter people like me using the 'non-polar' or 'non-Arctic' phrasing.
States from outside the Arctic region do not have territorial sovereignty in the Arctic, but they do have rights in respect of scientific research, navigation, overflight, fishing, laying of submarine cables and pipelines in the high seas and other relevant sea areas in the Arctic Ocean, and rights to resource exploration and exploitation in the Area, pursuant to treaties such as UNCLOS and general international law. In addition, Contracting Parties to the Spitsbergen Treaty enjoy the liberty of access and entry to certain areas of the Arctic, the right under conditions of equality and, in accordance with law, to the exercise and practice of scientific research, production and commercial activities such as hunting, fishing, and mining in these areas....
Russia also has serious interest in the archipelago including the old coal mine, the undersea cables and access and egress into the Atlantic:
The Bear Gap is Svalbard - Bear Island - Norway while the GIUK Gap is Greenland - Iceland - Britain.
