In Pole Position

By+Yang+Jian

In January， the Chinese Government published its first white paper about the countrys role in the Arctic. The white paper， titled Chinas Arctic Policy， declared to the world Chinas intent to actively participate in Arctic governance and willingness to shoulder responsibility in combating global challenges. The release of the white paper can enhance understanding between China and other stakeholders in the region while increasing the awareness of the countrys people and enterprises in regard to the preservation of the Earth. Under its guidance， the activities of various government departments and organizations in China can be better coordinated in the region.

The ideas included in Chinas Arctic Policy， such as protecting the regions ecological environment， addressing climate change and creating a community with a shared future for mankind， echo President Xi Jinpings philosophy of governance. Last year， in addressing the UN Offi ce at Geneva， Xi called on all parties to cherish the Earth， the only home to mankind， and work together to implement the Paris Agreement， vowing that China would continue to tackle climate change， fully honoring its obligations under the treaty.

Xi also noted that countries should obey the principle of peace， sovereignty， inclusiveness and shared governance， turning the deep sea， polar regions， outer space and the Internet into new frontiers of collaboration， rather than battle grounds for geopolitical competition. These concepts of mutually benefi cial cooperation were refl ected in Chinas Arctic Policy.

A stakeholder

The Arctic has become the focus of global attention in recent decades along with global warming in general. A country in the northern hemisphere with a vast territory， Chinas conditions are signifi cantly infl uenced by the Arctics climate， and the stability of Chinas ecosystems and the security of its agriculture production are closely linked to any ecological change in the Arctic. Since any major change in the polar region would have a drastic， possibly catastrophic effect on the country， China is a key stakeholder in matters pertaining to the Arctic.

Three issues require particular attention in terms of the global governance of the Arctic. Firstly， the balance between resource exploration and environmental protection should be responsibly approached. Secondly， the contradiction between relatively primitive governance structures and increasing human activities in this area must be resolved. Lastly， the rights of Arctic countries and the common interests of all mankind need to be carefully aligned. As can be seen from Chinas Arctic Policy， China hopes to play a positive role in dealing with these issues.endprint