Part 1 was here:
China's recent moves
in the Arctic have been
attracting attention.
The United States and Russia
maintain a military presence
in the Arctic, which is known
for being rich in hydrocarbons.
Thule Air Base,
is a U.S. Air Force base,
north of the Arctic Circle
in Greenland.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
has been pushing a
"Polar Silk Road"
for commercial
shipping lanes,
which he believes
are opening up
due to Arctic ice melting
caused by global warming.
China spelled out its "Arctic Policy"
in January 2018 in an document,
that sounds so much like politically
correct BS, that any sensible
person would have to be
suspicious -- just read this:
"To understand the Arctic,
China will improve the capacity
and capability in scientific research
on the Arctic, pursue a deeper
understanding and knowledge
of the Arctic science, and explore
the natural laws behind its changes
and development, so as to create
favorable conditions for mankind
to better protect, develop,
and govern the Arctic."
"To develop the Arctic,
China will
improve the capacity
and capability in using
applied Arctic technology,
strengthen
technological
innovation,
environmental protection,
resource utilization,
and development
of shipping routes
in the Arctic,
and contribute
to the economic and
social development
of the Arctic, improve
the living conditions
of the local people
and strive for common
development."
After reading this BS,
the United States
is apprehensive that Beijing
may be more interested
about gaining military
superiority.
The Pentagon's newly released
"Annual Report to Congress:
Military and Security Developments
Involving the People's Republic
of China 2019", said:
"China has increased activities
and engagement in the Arctic region
since gaining observer status
on the Arctic Council in 2013."
"China published an Arctic Strategy
in January 2018, that promoted
a 'Polar Silk Road,' self-declared
China to be a 'Near-Arctic State,'
and identified China's interests
as access to natural resources
and sea lines of communication
and promoting an image
of a 'responsible major country'
in Arctic affairs."
"The strategy highlights
China's icebreaker vessels
and research stations
in Iceland and Norway
as integral to its implementation."
"Arctic border countries
have raised concerns
about China's expanding
capabilities and interest
in the region. "
"Civilian research
could support
a strengthened Chinese
military presence
in the Arctic Ocean,
which could include
deploying submarines
to the region as a deterrent
against nuclear attacks."
The Trump Administration
is closely monitoring
China's maritime activities
in the Arctic.
Here's the Arctic reality
that makes me suspicious:
ARCTIC REALITY:
The sea ice extent
has been flat for 13 years:
In 2018, the minimum
Arctic ice extent,
after the summer melt
was 4.6 million
square kilometers.
2018 was higher
than the minimum
than the minimum
of 4.16 million km2
in 2007.
in 2007.
Not even icebreakers
can cross over
the North Pole
in recent years.
Meaning Arctic ice
has certainly NOT
disappeared !
Comparing the
2007-2019
12-year period,
with the previous
1994-2006
12-year period:
For the September
(minimum)
sea ice extent (SIE):
The first period shows
SIE loss of 20%,
but the second period
had a SIE gain of 10%.
CO2 level changes
can not explain
those differences
in sea-ice behavior
between the two
12-year periods.