China published a white paper on its Arctic policy, pledging to seize opportunities and face challenges in the region together with all concerned parties on Jan 26.

“China, as a responsible major country, 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,” said the white paper issued by the State Council Information Office (SCIO).

The white paper on Arctic policy, published in eight languages, is the first of its kind to be published by the Chinese government, said Hu Kaihong, spokesperson for the SCIO, at a news conference on Jan 26.

China will participate in Arctic affairs in accordance with the basic principles of “respect, cooperation, win-win result and sustainability,” Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said at the news conference.

The country will stick to its goals to “understand, protect, develop and participate” in the governance of the Arctic, said Kong.

China will also regulate and manage Arctic-related affairs and activities within its jurisdiction in accordance with the law, steadily enhance its ability to understand, protect and develop the Arctic, and actively participate in international cooperation in Arctic affairs.