Sale of Last Private Land in Arctic's Svalbard Stirs Geopolitical Tensions

Norway seeks to block Chinese acquisition of strategic property amid sovereignty concerns and historical treaties.

The Sore Fagerfjord property in Svalbard is the last privately owned land in the High Arctic, priced at €300 million.
China has shown interest in purchasing the land, raising security concerns for Norway.
Norwegian authorities claim the sale cannot proceed without government approval due to old loan clauses.
The land's strategic value is highlighted, though its immediate economic worth is minimal.
Historical treaties grant all signatories, including China, rights to exploit Svalbard's resources, complicating the sale.