China is determined to better know the Arctic, to protect it, utilize it and participate in its governance, vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou said on Friday. 

He spoke on the day China issued a White Paper on Arctic Policies to elaborate the country's policy goals, basic principles and major positions regarding its engagement in affairs of the polar region. 

Kong said China is an active participant, builder and contributor in Arctic affairs.  

He noted global warming in recent years has accelerated the melting of ice and snow in the area. As economic globalization and regional integration further develops and deepens, the Arctic situation now goes beyond the original inter-Arctic States. It's an issue with global implications and impacts.

The White Paper says China is an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs and outlines the nation's determination in future policymaking. 

The document lists China's propositions in its future role in the Arctic in five aspects: To deepen China's knowledge and exploration of the region; To protect the Arctic atmosphere and address climate change actively; To use natural resources including fishery and tidal energy, as well as develop tourism; To participate in the governance of the area and improve cooperation with other stakeholders; And to promote peace and stability in the Arctic. 

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou also emphasized that China advocates utilizing Arctic resources in a lawful and rational manner. 

He outlined the principles for Chinese companies and entities to stick to during Arctic development and utilization: obeying laws, sticking to the environmental protection standards of the Arctic countries, enhancing cooperation, and following commercial principles. 

Kong stressed that China's ultimate goal is to ensure win-win development and sustainable development in the Arctic region. 

“Some people are skeptical about China's engagement. They are worried that China will plunder the resources and damage the environment in the local area, but these worries are ill-founded,” Kong said. 

China has reiterated many times that its participation in Arctic affairs has always been guided by the principles of "respect, cooperation, win-win result and sustainability." The vice foreign minister said China will continue to work with relevant parties to build an Arctic that enjoys peace, stability, a sound ecosystem and sustainable development.