Abstract:

Norway, as a key Arctic nation, has accumulated rich experience in participating in Arctic governance processes. However, the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Arctic has shaped Norway’s dual role as both a balancer and a challenger in regional governance. On one hand, as a balancer, Norway has promoted the “limited restoration” of the Arctic Council, and dedicated itself to linking Arctic governance agendas with global governance agendas, striving to secure space for low-political-issue cooperation in the Arctic. On the other hand, as a challenger, it has deepened its strategic alignment with NATO in the Arctic, advanced deep-sea mining proposals, and strengthened its administrative control over Svalbard, sparking international controversy. The tension between these two roles jointly shapes Norway’s Arctic image and the orientation of its future Arctic policies. China-Norway cooperation in the Arctic is deeply rooted, and exploring Norway’s role in Arctic governance and the orientation of its Arctic policies can provide insights for China’s participation in Arctic affairs.

Key words: Norway, Arctic governance, maritime governance, deep-sea mining, Arctic Council