With the acceleration of global warming in recent years，glaciers in the Arctic region are gradually thawing，and the exploitation and utilization of the North Sea Route have drawn ever increasing attention from major countries in the world. The Chinese government and enterprises have also begun to show more concern oversuch issues. Taking China’s perspective and laying emphasis on China’s subject role，this paper uses the SWOT analysis in strategic management to visually show the strengths and weaknesses，opportunities and threats in China’s participation in this endeavor. By now China’s participation in the development of the North Sea Route is in the SO strategic period；that is，China’s own advantages and external opportunities are both significant，suggesting that it is the right time for China’s participation. China’s use of the North Sea Route is in the ST strategic period；that is，China’s advantages and the threats it faces are both evident. Thus China needs to use its advantages to defend against external threats. Due to the inadequate infrastructure，insufficient icebreakers，and insignificant economic advantages in the North Sea Route，the conditions for large-scale commercial use of the Route are not yet mature. But given the significance of the Northern Sea Route for China’s maintenance of maritime interests and energy security，China should keep on actively participating in its development and guide ships to take the Route when the conditions are ripe. China should be problem-oriented，making use of its strengths to avoid weaknesses，adhering to the principle of bilateral and multilateral development and focusing on strengthening ties with Arctic and non-Arctic countries alike.