China's State Council Information Office has released the first White Paper on Arctic policies. Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou briefed the media. Su Yuting reports.

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

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou 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 Arctic region. He said 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 international impacts.

The White Paper says China is an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs. It also outlines China's determination in future policy making.

KONG XUANYOU CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER "China is determined to better know the Arctic, protect the Arctic, utilize the Arctic and participate in the governance of the Arctic."

The document lists China's propositions in its future role in the Arctic affairs 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 last, 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.

KONG XUANYOU CHINESE VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS "To put it simply, China's ultimate goal is to ensure a win-win development and sustainable development in the Arctic region. Let me point out that China's participation is our contribution to the Arctic and we bring about opportunities that will benefit the local people. 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. The Arctic countries have very well-structured international rules and legal framework, and they have high standards in environmental protection and labor. We will obey all these and we will make our contribution to the development of the Arctic region."

SU YUTING BEIJING "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'. 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. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."