Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Fu Yin, called for enhanced international cooperation in environmental protection and scientific research in the Arctic. She emphasized that the main problem in the region is climate change, not alleged security threats.
Fu Yin made these statements during the Chinese delegation's participation in the 2026 Arctic Council Assembly, which took place from Thursday to Saturday in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The event gathered over 2,500 representatives from more than 70 countries and regions to discuss issues of understanding, protecting, developing, and governing the Arctic.
During the plenary session dedicated to the topic 'Understanding China,' Fu Yin held a dialogue with the former President of Iceland and Chairman of the Arctic Council, Olafur Ragnar Grímsson.
According to Fu Yin, the real challenge for the Arctic is climate change, and states should focus more attention and resources on scientific research and nature conservation instead of engaging in geopolitical competition over hypothetical threats. She noted that much of the current geopolitical discourse is based on imaginary dangers, leading to a waste of valuable time and resources.
Fu Yin reported that changes are already occurring, such as the melting of Arctic sea ice, the reduction of ice sheets, and rising temperatures, adding that climate change is a real problem that countries must solve together. She urged states to combine their strengths and resources, strengthen scientific cooperation, jointly assess climate change-related problems, and prepare for them in advance.
She also mentioned that a joint statement by the leaders of China and Iceland last year highlighted the need for closer cooperation on climate change and green energy. Fu Yin believes that such practical interaction can better demonstrate China's policies and intentions regarding its involvement in Arctic affairs.
Speaking about China's development and its international role, Fu Yin stated that China is committed to peaceful development, does not seek global hegemony, and does not believe in the necessity of a new hegemon in the world. She expressed China's readiness to strengthen cooperation with other countries and contribute to creating a fairer and more equal system of global governance. The Arctic Council, established in 2013, holds its annual assembly in Iceland every October and serves as an important global platform for dialogue on Arctic issues.