The People’s Republic of China is ready to cooperate with the Russian Federation and other concerned countries for strengthening international collaboration in the field of building and operating the infrastructure of Arctic shipping lanes, according to the PRC Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian.

He noted that China was an important concerned party in Arctic affairs, and that it invariably adhered to fundamental principles of respect, cooperation, mutual benefits and sustainable development, while taking part in Arctic projects.

According to the PRC Foreign Ministry’s spokesman, Beijing strengthens cooperation with all countries for maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic and facilitating the region’s sustainable development.

In the past few years, the international community has been paying additional attention to prospects for using Arctic shipping lanes that can become an important international commercial route, he added.

Lin Jian noted that China was ready to cooperate with all littoral states in the Arctic Ocean for strengthening international cooperation and to facilitate the development of Arctic shipping lanes and their use, as well as environmental protection.