Marco Volpe
PhD Candidate, University of Lapland, Finland
Visiting at: Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
Period: 1 month
Research Theme: China’s Polar Science Diplomacy
During my CNARC Fellowship, I was hosted by the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) from April 3rd to May 2nd, 2025. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Yang Jian from SIIS for hosting me during my stay, and to the many colleagues who made my experience both unique and enriching for my research. In particular, I would like to thank Yingqin Zhen, Zhao Long, Zhao Ming, Xue Chen, and all the researchers I met at SIIS and during the CNARC Symposium, the roundtable on the Central Arctic Ocean, and my research visits to Tongji University and the Shanghai Institutes for European Studies (SIES). A big thank you also to my CNARC fellows Yue Wang and Erdem Lamazhapov, whose collaboration and presence greatly enriched the journey.
I am also grateful to the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) for providing the financial support that made this visit possible, allowing me to engage with both PRIC’s peers and senior experts in the field.
Purpose of the Visit
The purpose of my one-month research visit to SIIS was directly linked to my ongoing PhD research at the University of Lapland and at the Arctic Centre in Rovaniemi, Finland. My project explores China’s Polar Science Diplomacy, focusing on how scientific and policy dimensions intersect in polar governance mechanisms where China plays a significant role. The aim is to shed light on the often-overlooked potential of science to foster international cooperation and to explore the mechanisms through which knowledge production can support such collaboration, especially in times of increasing geopolitical tension.
China defines itself as a "near-Arctic state" and has made significant investments in improving its technological capabilities and scientific output in the region. In particular, China’s scientific knowledge has become key to enhancing global understanding of the Arctic’s fragile ecosystems, especially the marine environment. A notable example is China’s role in the 2018 Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA), which prohibits unregulated commercial fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean until sufficient scientific knowledge becomes available. As a signatory, China has committed to contributing to the agreement’s Implementation Plan through dedicated scientific research.
The core objective of my research visit was to hear directly from Chinese polar experts and scientists on how scientific research and international collaboration can persist—even deepen—amid rising international tensions within this specific and unique governance instrument.
Research Activities
During my visit, I was primarily based at SIIS, where I had a personal office and a quiet space to work. The Institute offers a serene and collegial environment, including a small garden that provides a peaceful place for reflection and informal discussions with colleagues. The Institute is intellectually vibrant, and I was able to attend several fascinating seminars, many of which—while not directly tied to my specific research focus—were highly valuable from a broader international relations perspective.
One of the highlights was a seminar led by Prof. Claudia Astarita from Sciences Po, which focused on China–EU relations. During the session, we explored the various phases of the EU–China relationship, which proved essential for better contextualizing China's role in the Arctic and its engagement with the Nordic countries. The discussion then shifted to the challenges posed by the Trump administration to global stability, and how the evolving dynamics between the EU and the United States might create opportunities for renewed economic and political cooperation between the EU and China.
I also had the opportunity to present my research findings at the 10th CNARC Symposium (April 22–24), hosted by Tongji University. I participated in the session on “Realizing International Cooperation in the Arctic”, speaking about the knowledge co-production within two governance frameworks involving Chinese scientific engagement: the Antarctic Specially Protected Area 178 and the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement Implementation Plan. This presentation allowed me to broaden the scope of my research, share my progress, and connect with both familiar and new colleagues in the field. I am extremely confident that there is space for further research cooperation with experts from Tongji University and SIIS who are interested in the topic.
Following the symposium, I attended the Roundtable on the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (April 24-25), jointly organised by Prof. Pan Min from Tongji University and Prof. Henry Huntington, Arctic Science Director at Ocean Conservancy. Their skillful facilitation led to productive and in-depth conversations. The event was particularly meaningful as it took place in the same room where, ten years earlier, key discussions took place that paved the way for China’s role in the CAOFA. Hearing directly from experts involved in the original negotiations provided invaluable context and ideas for my ongoing research. The discussion spanned from transpolar shipping and deep-seabed mining to discuss the unique value of the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement. The discussion brought together experts from China’s leading polar institutions and universities, including representatives from the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC), the ICC, and NGOs. Their contributions enabled a rich and in-depth exploration of the conference’s complex topics. Additionally, the roundtable format provided us, as early-career researchers, with a valuable opportunity to observe how diverse perspectives are engaged and debated constructively, with the shared goal of strengthening dialogue and fostering cooperation.
In my final days, I was invited by the Shanghai Institutes for European Studies (SIES) to present my research and engage in a lively discussion with both junior and senior scholars. The conversation spanned a wide range of topics—from EU policy on the conflict in Ukraine to transatlantic relations under the Trump administration. Hearing these issues from a Chinese perspective strengthened my understanding of the importance of maintaining open dialogue and reducing mistrust during times of political division.
The way forward
The CNARC platform offers an outstanding opportunity for Arctic-focused research and cooperation. As an early-career researcher, I feel privileged to have participated in this fellowship—particularly during a time when international collaboration is increasingly challenged.
This visit not only enriched my research with new data and perspectives but also expanded my academic network and enabled meaningful exchanges with both emerging and established Chinese scholars in the field. I look forward to continuing this dialogue and collaboration as my research progresses within and beyond this platform. The environment surrounding the CNARC research community provides hope and an invaluable space for future academic interaction between Chinese and Nordic institutions.
