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Katarzyna Sypień, Jagiellonian University, PolandAbstract
This paper examines the medial and political narrative strategies of China, South Korea, and Japan in relation to the Arctic and Antarctic, focusing on how each country frames its activities to enhance its influence in these regions. Motivated by opportunities in scientific research, resource access, and geopolitical influence, China, South Korea, and Japan have increasingly pursued interests in both polar areas. As “Near Arctic” countries, they aim to assert a role in Arctic governance despite lacking direct access to the North Pole. Japan’s narrative emphasizes energy security, shipping, and environmental protection, positioning the Arctic as vital for economic stability and global status. South Korea highlights scientific diplomacy, business and sustainable development, presenting itself as a leader of a “green change.” China’s approach frames the Arctic as a “common good,” prioritizing security, resource acquisition, and strategic science, including its Beidou navigation system. The hypothesis of this study is that these countries' narrative strategies are diversified, however they share an aim of creating a positive image in low-conflict areas such as environmental protection, scientific research, and raw material diversification, to foster international influence and domestic support. The research questions focus on understanding these countries’ narrative strategies, identifying key areas of Arctic interest, and analyzing how these strategies shape the international environment. The methodology involves comparative analysis of policy documents, media representations, and official communications to assess how these strategies influence international relations and public perception. Findings suggest that each country's narrative serves as a diplomatic tool and means of soft power.
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Conference: ACAH2025Stream: Political Science
This paper is part of the ACAH2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Sypień K. (2025) Narrative Strategies of China South Korea and Japan in Arctic and Antarctic Governance ISSN: 2186-229X – The Asian Conference on Arts & Humanities 2025 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 139-148) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-229X.2025.11
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-229X.2025.11
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