(Yicai Global) Jan. 26 -- China published its first white paper on Arctic policy today, outlining plans for a "Polar Silk Road," and seeks Russia's cooperation in developing such a trade route now made possible as climate change opens up to shipping the once ice-bound northern channel.

"China will jointly build the Polar Silk Road with Russia and other countries willing to join in," Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said at a State Council Information Office press briefing in Beijing today. Working together on the initiative will promote mutual development, he added.

Global warming has made it is possible to open the Arctic to ships between the Pacific states and North America. Since using its waterways can reduce shipping times and costs, major maritime states plan to develop them.

China and Russia are holding talks on the issue as Beijing works to expand the influence of its Belt and Road Initiative in the Eurasian Economic Union that encompasses Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.China's wider 30- to 40-year master plan for a vast multi-billion dollar infrastructure program and trade route spanning Asia, Europe and Africa has attracted 70 countries so far.

China has a major state in the Arctic, Kong said. As one of the countries closest to the region, any changes there directly impact the country's climate and ecosystem as well as its agriculture, forestry, fishing and marine sectors, he added.

Global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, resource exploration and sustainable use, peace, security and development in the Arctic are inextricably linked with countries outside of the region, including China, Kong said.

China's policy goals for the Arctic are to understand, protect, develop and participate in the governance of the region. As a non-Arctic country, China will not intervene in the internal affairs of the Arctic states or the region, but it will play an active and constructive role in trans-regional and global issues, Kong said.

China assents to the Arctic states managing the region's waterways in accordance with international laws to guarantee the rights and freedoms of all countries in using them. China is willing to work with the related countries, especially Arctic states, in economic development, infrastructure building and marine research in the region's waterways.

China will participate in Arctic affairs and instruct Chinese groups and individuals to conduct relevant activities in accordance with international laws and the Arctic states' domestic laws, Kong added.