China likely to extend OBOR initiative across Arctic, unveils vision for ‘Polar Silk Road’

The white paper said China also eyes development of oil, gas, mineral resources and other non-fossil energies, fishing and tourism in the region.

Beijing | Published: January 26, 2018 5:26 pm

China likely to extend OBOR initiative across Arctic, unveils vision for 'Polar Silk Road'

China, despite being a non-Arctic state, is increasingly active in the polar region and became an observer member of the Arctic Council in 2013.

China on Friday outlined its ambitions to extend President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative to the Arctic by developing shipping lanes opened up by global warming. Releasing its first official Arctic policy white paper, China said it would encourage enterprises to build infrastructure and conduct commercial trial voyages, paving the way for Arctic shipping routes that would form a “Polar Silk Road”.

“China hopes to work with all parties to build a ‘Polar Silk Road’ through developing the Arctic shipping routes,” the paper, issued by the State Council Information Office, said.