Article content

BEIJING — A top Chinese diplomat sought Friday to allay concerns about his country’s increasingly prominent activities in the Arctic, saying Beijing won’t interfere in the interests of nations in the region.

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou (SHWEN’-yo) said China is interested in participating in scientific studies and the exploitation of new sea routes that have opened up with the receding of sea ice.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or China says its activities in Arctic will bring opportunities Back to video

The involvement and contributions of the Chinese government and companies would “bring opportunities to the Arctic,” Kong said at a news conference called to introduce the government’s first comprehensive report on its Arctic policy.

“Regarding the role China will play in the Arctic affairs, I want to emphasize two points. One is that we will not interfere; second is that we will not to be absent,” Kong said. “Not being an Arctic country, China will not interfere the affairs that are exclusive to the Arctic countries and inside Arctic region.”