中国将致力于促进北极地区可持续发展

As an important stakeholder, China will participate in Arctic affairs in accordance with the basic principles of “respect, cooperation, win-win results and sustainability”, Vice-Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said on Friday.

1月26日，外交部副部长孔宣威表示，作为重要利益攸关方，中方将按照尊重、合作、共赢、可持续的基本原则参与北极事务。

With an ultimate goal of promoting sustainable development of the Arctic, China’s participation will bring opportunities to the region not damage, he said.

他说，为了促进北极的可持续发展，中国的参与将给该地区带来机遇，而不是损害。

Kong made the comments in a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office as China published its first ever white paper on Arctic policy.

香港在国务院新闻办公室举办的新闻发布会上发表了上述言论，中国首次发表了关于北极政策的白皮书。

“Some people doubt China’s participation in Arctic affairs and worry we will plunder resources and damage the environment. I think that concern is completely unnecessary,” he said.

他说，一些人怀疑中国是否参与北极事务，担心我们会掠夺资源，破坏环境。我认为这种担心是完全没有必要的。

Arctic states have a complete law system, which has set a high threshold and standards on environmental protection, labor and commercial activities in Arctic development, Kong said.

孔宣威表示，近北极国家拥有完整的法律体系，为北极地区的环境保护、劳工和商业活动设定了高门槛和标准。

“We believe we will conduct activities in accordance with relevant standards and laws and contribute to the social and economic development in the Arctic and people’s welfare,” he said.

他说，我们相信，我们将按照有关标准和法律开展活动，为北极地区的社会经济发展和人民福祉作出贡献。

China prioritizes scientific research, underscores the importance of environmental protection, rational utilization, law-based governance and international cooperation, and commits itself to maintaining a peaceful, secure and stable Arctic order, according to the white paper titled China’s Arctic Policy.

《中国北极政策》白皮书指出，中国重视科学研究，强调环境保护、合理利用、依法治理和国际合作的重要性，致力于维护一个和平、安全、稳定的北极秩序。