In yesterday's post on China's interest in ports and strategic choke points I omitted the GIUK and Bear Island gaps because this post was in the queue. For orientation, our favorite depiction of the two choke points from the RAND corporation, this time via The Barents Observer back in 2023:
And the headline story, also from The Barents Observer, December 5, 2025:
"We are a coastal and maritime nation and submarines are a crucial part of our defence," says Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik as the Nordic country announces the acquisition of another two subs from Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
Norway in 2021 signed a contract with the German yard for the building of four new submarines. This week, the country's Defence Minister announced that another two subs will be acquired.
"Submarines are an important strategic asset in Norwegian waters, helping to deter potential adversaries and strengthen the defence of Norwegian interests in turbulent times," Minister Tore O Sandvik says.
The Type 212CD class is based on Germany's Type 212 submarine class, but will be significantly larger. It will also feature a new stealth design. They are designed for covert, shallow water operations.
The acquisition of the two additional vessels is in line with the recommendations of the Norwegian Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen.
It all comes on the backdrop of an increasingly tense geopolitical situation in the High North. According to Minister Sandvik, there is a significant need for increased deterrence in the region.
"We are seeing increased activity from Russian forces in the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea," he explains.....
....MUCH MORE
And what, if anything does this have to do with China?
As noted in September 2024's Meanwhile, In The Arctic: "Svalbard-research becomes more important for China, professor says":
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.
Also at The Barents Observer, December 9:
Shadow tanker blocked by Arctic sea ice
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
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....
