China's commercial presence in Arctic waters is limited and its naval presence to date is nil. However, as the Arctic Ocean gradually becomes more accessible, its commercial presence is likely to increase, while a naval presence of some size may become more plausible. Considering China's rapidly expanding global footprint and its clear emphasis on establishing the legitimacy of its interests in the Arctic, there is every reason to ask how the Arctic states - particularly the six with Arctic Ocean real estate (the 'Arctic Five' of Canada, Denmark [via Greenland], Norway, Russia, and the United States, plus Iceland through its exclusive economic zone [EEZ] which extends into the Arctic Ocean) - view the prospect of greater Chinese maritime presence. The question is all the more pertinent in view of these states' efforts to manage the balance between environmental protection and sustainable development across the region.
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