As global temperatures continue to rise, the Arctic ice is melting out. Therefore,the Arctic waterway will possible achieve large-scale commercial operation in thefuture. The opening of the Arctic waterway has great significance for China as theworld’s maritime and trading power, for instance, reducing logistics costs, adjustingthe layout of the domestic coastal economic, diversifying energy sources, resolvingthe “Malacca dilemma”, strengthening cooperation with the Arctic Nations. Throughsorting out and analyzing the international legal system and relevant national policiesattitude of Arctic waterway, this thesis believes that the legal status of Arcticwaterway should be international straits, and according to the United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea and Spitsbergen Treaty, China enjoys the right ofArctic waterway passage. Furthermore, this thesis will provide specific legal andpolicy recommendations to protect China’s right of passage in Arctic waterway. |