全球暖化改變了北極的地緣政治格局，也促使中國參與北極事務。北極為中國提供的機會包括:縮短通往歐洲和北美港口的航運距離，增加貿易競爭力;有助中國北方港口城市發展不同定位的港埠經濟，及改善中國東北地區的經濟結構;有助於中國取得北極蘊藏豐富的天然資源;及有助於緩解中國當前面臨的安全問題，如「麻六甲困境」。但中國也遇到若干挑戰，包括:北極海冰構成航行威脅，航運成本也會增加;北極國家對中國涉足北極的疑慮;偏重於亞洲的貿易格局制約中國對北極的投入;以及中國技術能量不足等。中國雖然面臨挑戰，但潛在的經濟利益和戰略利益仍然吸引其目光，這也是中國仍然積極開拓北極的原因。

Global warming has changed geopolitics of the Arctic and prompted China to participate in the Arctic affairs. The Arctic offers many opportunities for China. First, it shortens the shipping distances to European and North American ports in order to increase trade competitiveness. Second, it develops different kinds of harbor economy and improve economic structures in the northeast of China. Third, it is able to acquire rich natural resources in the Arctic. Fourth, the Arctic can ameliorate China’s security problems, such as “Malacca Dilemma”. However, China faces some challenges. First, the Arctic ice not only threatens shipping security but also increases shipping costs. Second, the Arctic States are suspicious of China’s involvement. Third, China’s existing trade pattern that is focused on Asia may limit its investment in the “Polar Silk Road”. Fourth, China lacks appropriate technological and scientific skills. While facing challenges, China is still actively exploring the Arctic for its potential economic and strategic interests.