SCIO briefing on China's policy on the Arctic
Speaker:
Kong Xuanyou, vice minister of foreign affairs
Chairperson:
Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office of China
Date:
Jan. 26, 2018
Hu Kaihong:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference.
Today, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) released a white paper on China's Arctic policy. We are taking this opportunity to hold a press conference to introduce the white paper's main content and China's Arctic policy.
Present at today's press conference is Mr. Kong Xuanyou, the vice minister of foreign affairs. I'm Hu Kaihong, the spokesperson of the SCIO.
Now, I'd like to make a brief introduction to the white paper. The white paper is the first one introducing China's Arctic policy, underscoring the region's significance in world affairs.
China is a major stakeholder in affairs related to the Arctic. The white paper explains our stance on this issue, and makes a thorough introduction of our policy goals, basic principles, and policies and positions on participating in Arctic affairs.
The white paper contains approximately 9,000 words, which are divided into three parts – the foreword, main content and conclusion. It advocates active participation by all relevant parties so as to promote sound governance in the Arctic.
As far as regional affairs are concerned, China has been a participant, builder and contributor. As a responsible major country, in accordance with the principle of "respect, cooperation, win-win result and sustainability," China is ready to cooperate with all relevant parties to seize the historic opportunity in the development of the Arctic, to address the challenges brought by the changes in the region.
China would like to jointly understand, protect, develop and participate in the governance of the Arctic, and advance Arctic-related cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, thus promoting the building of a community of shared future for mankind, and making a greater contribution to the peaceful, stable and sustainable development of the Arctic.
The white paper is available in eight languages, including Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese. The Chinese version is published by the People's Press, and the others by the Foreign Languages Press. You can find a copy in any branch of the Xinhua Bookstore nationwide.
That's all for my part. Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Kong.
Kong Xuanyou:
First of all, welcome to today's press conference. There are so many friends from the media present here today, which is both expected and unexpected for me. I know that you must be very concerned about the publication of the white paper, because it is the Chinese government's first document on the policies on this region. But I didn't expect that that you show such great concern. Now, I would like to give a brief account of the relevant situations.
The Arctic covers both land and oceanic territories. Its special geographical location and ecological environment dictate that the Arctic has an irreplaceable role in scientific research, environmental protection, resource utilization and coping with climate change.
The issue of the Arctic not only involves the states inside the Arctic, but also has global implications and international impact. As a state outside the region, China is an active participant, builder and contributor in Arctic affairs, and is working hard to contribute its wisdom and strength to the development of the region.
The release of the white paper "The Arctic Policy of China," actually demonstrates China's standpoint and policy proposals in regard to polar affairs. It shows the country's willingness to maintain the sound, sustainable and peaceful development in the North Pole region, with concerted efforts from all parties. We hope the white paper could contribute relevant expeditions and cooperation from the various national parties on the rails, arousing local awareness of polar issues. On the other hand, we hope it will facilitate interaction between China and other international parties whose interests in the North Pole are critical. As a consequence, we anticipate a bright future for the entire Arctic region.
To better understand the white paper, I will summarize the publication as follows: defining the position, setting goals, adhering to principles and detailing proposals.
"Defining the position" means that China is a key shareholder in Arctic affairs, which constitutes the starting point for China to participate in Arctic affairs. This is demonstrated in two aspects:
First, China, as one of the countries on the Eurasia Continent, is geographically close to the North Pole, whose environment has a direct impact on the country's meteorological conditions, ecological systems as well as agricultural, forestry, fishing and ocean-based industries.
Second, China has been a participant and important player involved in the cross-regional and global issues concerning polar affairs. Its problems, particularly, climate change, ecological protection, the exploration and sustainable use of resources, peace, security and development, are challenging the future course of the world, where the efforts from foreign countries, like China, are indispensable. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a signatory of international treaties concerning the Arctic and a big country in trade and energy consumption, China will assume its responsibilities, share interests with Arctic States and a shared future with the rest of the world in the Arctic.
Policy Goals. China's policy goals on the Arctic are: to understand, protect, develop and participate in the governance of the Arctic.
The goals are interrelated to each other and should be considered as an integral whole. Understanding the Arctic provides guidance for China to carry out activities in the region. Protecting and developing the Arctic are the two main forms of China's activities in the region. Law-based governance is the major way for China to participation in the standardized management of Arctic affairs. Through all the above efforts to understand, protect, develop and participate in the governance of the Arctic, China will work with all other countries to promote the sustainable development of the region.
Basic Principles. China will participate in Arctic affairs in accordance with the basic principles of "respect, cooperation, win-win result and sustainability".
Respect should be reciprocal. It means all States should respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction enjoyed by the Arctic States in this region, respect the tradition and culture of the indigenous peoples, as well as respect the rights and freedom of non-Arctic States to carry out activities in this region in accordance with the law, and respect the overall interests of the international community in the Arctic.
Cooperation means establishing a relationship of multi-level, omni-dimensional and wide-ranging cooperation in this area.
Win-win result means all stakeholders in this area should pursue mutual benefit and common progress in all fields of activities.
Sustainability means promoting the sustainable development of the Arctic by ensuring the sustainability of environmental protection, resource utilization and human activities in the area.
"Respect, cooperation, win-win result and sustainability" are the fundamental principles guiding China's activities in the Arctic, and the specific measures concerning Arctic affairs under China's foreign policies.
Expounding China's policies and positions. China has mainly five policies and positions on its participation in Arctic affairs. First, deepening the exploration and understanding of the Arctic; second, protecting the eco-environment of the Arctic and addressing climate change in the region; third, utilizing Arctic resources in a lawful and rational manner, including participation in the development of Arctic shipping routes, the exploration for and exploitation of non-living resources, the conservation and utilization of fisheries and other living resources and the development of tourism resources; fourth, participating actively in Arctic governance and international cooperation; fifth, promoting peace and stability in the region.
The five points of policies and positions embody China's policy goals and basic principles on the Arctic and guide China in its participation in Arctic affairs in various fields.
I'd like to point out that this white paper is the Chinese government's first published document on its Arctic policies and will serve as an important policy ground for China's participation in Arctic affairs at present and in the next period to come. Going forward, as China deepens its exploration and understanding of the Arctic, it will update its policy document to make it in keeping with the times. China will strictly follow the document and make a greater contribution to the peace, stability and sustainable development of the Arctic.
Hu Kaihong:
Thank you, Mr. Kong. Now begins the Q&A session. Please identify the media organization you represent before raising your question.