Abstract:

As global warming intensifies, the abundant natural resources and unique geographical location of the Arctic emphasize its strategic importance. Actions taken by the circum-Arctic nations reflect this. In addition to existing disputes over sovereignty between these nations, geographically disadvantaged states are also claiming their rights and benefits according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and these exacerbate the complexity of Arctic geopolitics. According to existing multilateral legal documents, the practice of exercising sovereignty and the principle of the common inheritance of humanity, there is an urgent need to clarify the rights and obligations of circum-Arctic nations in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and to coordinate relationships between those countries and geographically disadvantaged states, including China.

Key words: circum-Arctic nations, geographically disadvantaged states, UNCLOS, common inherita¬nce of humanity, sovereignty right