China committed to equitable development of Arctic routes, Foreign Ministry spokesman says

Beijing is committed to jointly advancing the development and utilization of Arctic routes, while ensuring environmental protection, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

The remarks came at a daily news briefing, in response to the reports that a Chinese cargo ship from Ningbo Port is preparing for a trial voyage along the Northern Sea Route, with departure scheduled for Sept 20.

Lin said that China is an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs and has long engaged on the basis of respect, cooperation, mutual benefit, and sustainability.

He noted that the potential of Arctic shipping routes has increasingly drawn international attention in recent years and that they may become key corridors for global trade.

China will work with Arctic coastal states, including Russia, as well as other countries that are interested in the route, to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction and operation along Arctic routes, he added.