China unveils plans for a 'Polar Silk Road' across the Arctic

China on Friday outlined itsambitions to extend President Xi Jinping's signature Belt andRoad Initiative to the Arctic by developing shipping lanesopened up by global warming.

Releasing its first official Arctic policy white paper,China said it would encourage enterprises to buildinfrastructure and conduct commercial trial voyages, paving theway for Arctic shipping routes.

"China hopes to work with all parties to build a 'Polar SilkRoad' through developing the Arctic shipping routes," said the paper, which is issued by the State Council Information Office.

Xi'sBelt andRoad initiative aims to connect China toEurope, the Middle East and beyond via massive infrastructureprojects across dozens of countries, reflectingthe president'sdesire forChina to take on a more prominent global leadership role.

China, despite being a non-Arctic state, is increasinglyactive in the polar region and became an observer member of theArctic Council in 2013.

Shorter shipping routes

Among its increasing interests in the region is its majorstake in Russia's Yamal liquefied natural gas project which is expected to supply China with four million tonnes of LNG a year,according to the state-run China Daily.

Shipping through the Northern Sea Route would shave almost20 days off the regular time using the traditional route throughthe Suez Canal, the newspaper reported last month. COSCOShipping has also previously sailed vessels through the Arctic's northeast passage.

China's increasing prominence in the region has promptedconcerns from Arctic states over its long-term strategicobjectives, including possible military deployment.

"Some people may have misgivings over our participation inthe development of the Arctic, worried we may have other intentions, or that we may plunder resources or damage theenvironment," Vice-Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said at abriefing.

"I believe these kinds of concerns are absolutelyunnecessary."

The white paper said China also eyes development of oil,gas, mineral resources and other non-fossil energies, fishing and tourism in the region. It said it would do so "jointly withArctic States, while respecting traditions and cultures of the Arctic residents including the Indigenous peoples and conservingnatural environment."