謝謝大家,！

(Translation)

For a Bright New Future of the Arctic

Address by Vice Premier Wang Yang at the Opening Ceremony of The Fourth International Arctic Forum

Arkhangelsk,29March

Your Excellency Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin,

DistinguishedGuests,

LadiesandGentlemen,

I   am delighted to attend the Fourth International Arctic Forum on Arctic:   Territory of Dialogue". As we gather at Arkhangelsk, the "gateway to   the Arctic", I wish this Forum could open a new gate to Arctic   development and cooperation.

China,   as an important stakeholder, has long participated in Arctic affairs in   accordance with law. China joined the Spitsbergen Treaty as early as in   1925. Over the past 90 years and more, China has contributed to the   development of the Arctic through deepening exploration and expanding   cooperation. China has proven a participant, facilitator and contributor   in the Arctic affairs. It is willing and able to play a bigger role in   promoting Arctic development and cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The   Arctic is experiencing rapid, historical changes. Under the new   conditions, China will participate in Arctic affairs under the three   policy principles of respect, cooperation and sustainability. "Respect"   means that we will respect Arctic states' sovereignty, sovereign rights   and jurisdiction in the Arctic, the tradition and culture of Arctic   residents the rights and freedom of non-Arctic countries to carry out   lawful activities in the Arctic and the overall interests of the   international community in the Arctic. "Cooperation"means   that we will share opportunities and confront challenges with other   countries to improve the multi-dimensional Arctic governance structure   and actively carry out multi-tiered and wide ranging international   cooperation for mutual benefit. "Sustainability" means   we need to strike a balance between protection and development and   between the immediate and long-term interests of the Arctic so as to   realize harmonious coexistence between man and nature and sustainable   development of the Arctic. With this in mind, China proposes the   following:

— We need to enhance environmental protection in the Arctic. The   Arctic is a "barometer" for climate change worldwide and a   "super air conditioner" for curbing global warming. The international   community needs to keep environmental protection in the Arctic on top of   its agenda and prevent irreversible damage to the region. China takes   an active part in environmental treatment and promotes   environmental cooperation for the Arctic.