Aiding Arctic sustainability for win-win results

Editor's note: People's Daily Overseas Edition spoke to two experts who attended the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly, which was held in Reykjavik, capital of Iceland, in October. Wang Pu, a research fellow at the Institutes of Science and Development of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Yao Jinxiang, an assistant research fellow at the Department for Developing Countries Studies of the China Institute of International Studies, said all parties should deepen international dialogue and practical cooperation to promote sustainable development of the Arctic. Below are excerpts of the interviews. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

The Arctic has become an important test of whether the international community can transcend differences and carry out practical cooperation. When it comes to shipping safety, energy supply, ecological conservation and local development, all parties have overlapping interests yet hold different policy priorities.

Scientific research helps reduce information asymmetry and miscalculation. Economic development requires coordinated planning of ports, transportation, energy supply and environmental protection. It is inappropriate to focus solely on resource potential while ignoring practical costs and local needs.

It is worth noting that the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly has incorporated indigenous people's rights and interests and these people's participation into broader discussions on security and development. This indicates that Arctic governance should take into account local residents' livelihoods, cultures and long-term well-being.

All parties may start with specific issues and expand practical cooperation step by step. They should strengthen the sharing of ice and meteorological data, as well as cooperation on maritime search and rescue and emergency response to pollution incidents. They should conduct further studies on ports, logistics and vessel support systems, and assess the real economic value of different shipping routes.

They could launch technical exchanges and project-based cooperation on clean energy, green fuels, energy-efficient vessels and port energy infrastructure, balancing investment returns and environmental effects.

In addition, joint research on sea ice, marine ecosystems and pollution monitoring has to be enhanced. Environmental impact assessments should be conducted, with opinions from indigenous people fully considered.

In the next stage, China and other countries could deepen cooperation in several aspects. The first is joint observation and research on sea ice melting, climate change and marine ecosystems. The second is the exchange of visits between researchers, co-publication of research findings and training for young scientists. The third is project cooperation between Chinese research institutions and their counterparts in Iceland and other Arctic nations through the China-Iceland Arctic Science Observatory.

Through these concrete initiatives, China can translate its research strengths into knowledge and outcomes that benefit the whole international community, offering practical support for understanding Arctic environmental changes and conserving polar ecosystems.

China's engagement in Arctic affairs represents a journey marked by deepened scientific exploration, expanded international cooperation and the active offering of global public goods. Over the past decades, China has strengthened research on climate change, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost and the ecological environment in the Arctic, accumulating scientific data and research experience to understand the evolution of the Arctic environment and its global impact.

Guided by the principles of respect, cooperation, win-win results and sustainability, China will continue to boost scientific exchanges, data sharing and talent development with Arctic states and other international partners.