Asian Countries And The Arctic Future

Over the last few years Asian governments have taken a stronger approach to the Arctic, culminating with permanent-observer status to the Arctic Council for China, India, Japan, Singapore and South-Korea in May 2013. This groundbreaking book brings together the latest research in emerging Asian interests for the Arctic region, and the implications thereof this change has for the future.

This book covers Arctic shipping, fisheries and mineral extraction. It analyzes key Asian countries' policies, positions and activities. The book also demonstrates that there are common aspects which attract Asian countries to the Arctic, such as a concern for climate change, but there are also important national differences. From the Arctic Council to UNCLOS, Arctic governance mechanisms are thoroughly presented and analyzed.

Contributed by scholars from both Asia — China, India, Japan, Singapore and South-Korea — as well as Arctic countries — Norway and USA, this book is an essential source of reference for both academics and government professionals, as well for the readers keen on understanding the dynamic change in the Arctic region.

Contents:

• Arctic
• Governance
• Arctic Council
• Cooperation and Conflict
• High North
• Economic Prospects
• Shipping
• Living Resources
• Fishing
• Continental Shelf
• Mineral Extraction
• Mining
• China
• India
• Japan
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Climate Change
• Ice Melting

Readership: Academics, undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, and policy makers interested in major Asian countries' Arctic interests, Arctic governance, economic development in the Arctic regions, Northern Sea Route and Northwestern Passage.
Key Features:

• Addresses a topic which has been previously little covered, but is of growing global interest
• Represents one of the first efforts to bring all relevant Asian countries together to discuss Arctic issues
• Contributed by Scholars from Asia and Arctic Countries