Country sets out on 'ice-breaking' journey

China is still exploring the best ways and are as to participate and play a constructive role in Arctic affairs, a Chinese official said on Saturday.

Addressing a report session of the current Arctic Circle Assembly, Jia Guide, deputy director general of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said China's engagement in the Arctic is in its early stage, and China is still exploring how best to play a constructive role in Arctic affairs.

Describing it as an ice-breaking journey, Jia said that China is ready for pragmatic cooperation with Arctic countries.