On November 20th, during a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei addressed key geopolitical issues as the relation with Japan and the US about the South China Sea, China's role in Syria, EU's concerns over China’s detention of lawyers, and China's participation in Arctic affairs.
About the last topic, spokesperson Hong Lei stated that China "stand ready to strengthen our exchanges and cooperation on Arctic affairs with the Russian side ". At the same time, Environment Minister Sergei Donskoi said at the Arctic Days in Moscow forum that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment supports attracting partners and investment from China.
Here is Mr. Hong Lei's answer about China-Russia relations in the Arctic at the press conference.
Q: Russia’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister said yesterday that Russia welcomes China’s participation in its Arctic development project, and hopes that China can provide relevant technology and equipment. What is your comment?
A: China is an important stakeholder in the Arctic. China's participation in Arctic affairs has always been guided by three major principles: respect, cooperation and win-win results. We would like to enhance our communication and cooperation with all stakeholders in Arctic affairs to jointly promote peace, stability and sustainable development of the Arctic region. Russia is a major country in the Arctic area and has significant influence on Arctic affairs. China-Russia Arctic cooperation enjoys sound basis. We stand ready to strengthen our exchanges and cooperation on Arctic affairs with the Russian side.
For more info and to read the full press release, click here.