1、 Introduction

The geopolitical, economic, and ecological issues caused by global warming in the Arctic region are becoming increasingly prominent. There are differences and disputes among Arctic countries in terms of sovereignty, resources, and shipping routes, and Arctic governance has become an important issue in global governance. The Arctic region is rich in resources, and climate change has intensified disputes over resource development. Arctic governance involves environmental, resource, economic, and indigenous rights, and existing governance institutions such as the Arctic Council aim to promote cooperation and sustainable development. As a near Arctic country, China has important interests in Arctic affairs and participates in fields such as Arctic scientific research, environment, navigation, and resource utilization. However, its participation and research are still in their infancy. This article explores the challenges and solutions faced by Arctic governance by analyzing the reports of five major media outlets on the Arctic conflict.

2、 The Origin and Development Stages of the Arctic Conflict

The origin and development stages of the Arctic conflict include four stages: the exploration and competition stage (late 19th century to early 20th century), in which the Arctic became a target for exploration and resource development, triggering competition among multiple countries; During the competition and militarization stage (from the early 20th century to the 1980s), the Arctic became a strategic focus of the US and Soviet military, and countries strengthened their military deployments; In the stage of international cooperation (from the 1980s to the early 21st century), the governance of Arctic issues shifted towards multidimensional utilization and regulation, and the Arctic Council was established; In the stage of climate change and sustainable development (from the beginning of the 21st century to the present), the development of Arctic resources and waterways has become a reality, while facing climate change and environmental challenges. Countries are exploring ways to achieve sustainable development while protecting the environment. The Arctic conflict involves various issues such as territorial sovereignty, resource competition, and ecological environment protection, and its complexity continues to increase.

3、 Current situation of Arctic conflict

Global warming has intensified resource competition in the Arctic region, leading to disagreements among Arctic member states over continental shelf and maritime sovereignty issues, resulting in frequent conflicts. The navigation of the Arctic shipping route has made sovereignty disputes more complex, with Russia and countries such as Canada and Norway constantly disputing the division of the continental shelf and sea areas in the Arctic region. There is a conflict between Arctic resource development and environmental protection, and oil and gas resource development poses a threat to ecosystems and indigenous communities. The drilling activities of multinational corporations such as Shell in the Arctic have attracted attention, and conflicts between environmental organizations, governments, and indigenous peoples are increasingly intensifying. Indigenous peoples in the Arctic face challenges in survival and development, as climate change and human activities affect their resources, environment, and culture. There are differences within the United States on the Arctic issue, with the Trump administration approving oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, sparking opposition from environmental organizations and indigenous peoples. Climate change in the Arctic region has global impacts, with rising temperatures leading to melting ice and snow, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity, as well as more frequent extreme weather events. The biggest victims of global climate change will be poor countries and their people, as the melting of permafrost in the northern hemisphere may release large amounts of methane, exacerbating climate change. Indigenous peoples in the Arctic are facing unprecedented survival challenges, and global climate change has become a focal point of concern for the international community.

4、 Current situation of Arctic conflict governance

The chapter on the current status of Arctic conflict governance emphasizes the core role of the Arctic Council in resolving territorial, resource, and regional development disputes among member states, with the goal of jointly addressing issues through peaceful means. As the most important cooperation forum in the Arctic region, the Arctic Council promotes scientific research and political cooperation, and enhances global attention to Arctic affairs. Although the Arctic Council focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development, it does not address military and security issues, resulting in insufficient action in addressing global issues. The Svalbard Treaty became a model for Arctic governance, and even during the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union signed relevant agreements. The Arctic Council was officially established in 1996 as an intergovernmental forum to promote cooperation among Arctic countries, indigenous communities, and other Arctic residents, focusing on sustainable development and environmental protection. Eric Lawrensen, the Arctic Ambassador of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that the Arctic Council is the only multilateral discussion body where all countries appoint Arctic ambassadors to participate, and the topics discussed are more in line with the focus of each country's concerns. On May 12, 2011, the Arctic Council underwent significant reforms and issued the first legally binding regulation: a permanent secretariat was established in Troms ø, and relevant regulations were issued on aviation and maritime search and rescue cooperation. In May 2013, the Arctic Council proposed a second legally binding regulation to coordinate responses to environmental issues that may arise from oil and gas exploration. In recent years, Asian countries have gradually attached importance to Arctic affairs, began to formulate their own Arctic policies, and sent representatives to participate in related activities. The work functions of the Arctic Council are divided into six levels, carried out through six working groups. International organizations and research institutions related to the Arctic play an important role in global governance of the Arctic. In addition to the Arctic Council, there are also some non-governmental organizations related to the Arctic, such as the Northern Forum and the International Scientific Committee, which have gained a high level of voice in Arctic affairs. In recent years, countries related to the Arctic issue have also provided dialogue platforms for urgent issues, especially the "Arctic Coast Guard Forum" established in October 2015, aimed at better resolving differences and conflicts between Arctic and non Arctic countries, focusing on environmental protection and search and rescue cooperation. International law reflects the participation in global Arctic affairs, but its binding force on each country is not strong. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has made special provisions for polar ice covered areas, including the Arctic. Coastal states have the right to formulate and implement non discriminatory laws and regulations to prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the ocean by ships in ice covered areas within their exclusive economic zones. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulates that sovereignty over Arctic seabed resources belongs to Canada, the United States, Russia, Norway, and Denmark. These countries have the right to exploit natural resources located on the seabed 200 miles away from the coast, as well as oil and gas resources beneath the seabed. If there is sufficient geological evidence, this right can also be extended to areas 350 miles away from the Arctic coast. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, every country has exclusive economic zones beyond 200 nautical miles of its natural coastline, providing Canada, the United States, Russia, Norway, and Denmark with extensive claims for seabed resources. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea does not have universal binding force on all Arctic countries. Due to the rigid and polarized political environment in the United States, the country has yet to join the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. At the same time, Russia is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In order to demonstrate the importance of the Convention in international cooperation, Russia has specifically proposed the "three elements" cooperation principle in the Arctic Ocean. Due to the fact that the Arctic region belongs to different countries and involves territorial waters, high seas, continents, and economic zones, the laws and management measures of each country are not the same, and sometimes there are conflicts. Therefore, international organizations have formulated regulations for Arctic governance, but the consensus and applicability of these laws and regulations still need to be improved.

5、 Arctic Conflict Management Strategy

Introduced Arctic conflict governance strategies, emphasizing that all countries should adhere to the principles of fairness and justice and improve Arctic governance mechanisms. Proposed establishing diplomatic and cooperation mechanisms through the formulation of regulations and environmental laws, and drawing on the model of the Antarctic Treaty to construct a peaceful resolution mechanism for Arctic resource development conflicts. Emphasis was placed on the guiding role of international legal frameworks such as the Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Svalbard Treaty in Arctic governance. Pointing out the importance of the Arctic Council as a platform for dialogue among Arctic countries, but it is necessary to optimize its coordination function and promote international cooperation. The media bears social responsibility in Arctic communication, exchange, and early warning, enhances public awareness, and provides accurate and objective information. China should recognize, protect, and utilize the Arctic in Arctic governance, participate in governance, safeguard common interests, and promote sustainable development. Respect and protect the rights of Arctic Indigenous peoples, recognizing their ownership and control over land, culture, and resources. Utilize advanced technology and innovative measures to protect the Arctic environment, achieve ecological environment protection and sustainable development.

6、 Conclusion

The Arctic conflict involves geopolitical, environmental, and economic interests, and is crucial for global peace and security. With climate change and increasing demand for resource development, tensions in the Arctic region are intensifying. Arctic governance requires collaboration between soft and hard laws, with soft laws reflecting flexibility in cooperation mechanisms and hard laws such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea providing a legal framework. China should strengthen research on Arctic affairs, pay attention to technological innovation and environmental protection, clarify national interests and paths, actively participate in Arctic affairs, and promote Arctic peace and stability.