China beats EU to Arctic Council membership

The Arctic Council at its biannual meeting on 15 May 2014 in Sweden allowed in six new observer states, but deferred the EU's application until a later date. China, along with India, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, are now part of a select club of countries that oversee the exploitation and conservation of a changing landscape in the polar cap.

The entire region is drawing intense interest as ice packs melt, opening up new shipping routes and access to abundant supplies of oil and gas. The Council in a signed declaration said it would aim to protect the environment and indigenous populations but also noted “the central role of business in the development of the Arctic.”

Canada’s Leona Aglukkaq, a conservative health minister, is on the Council’s chair. She said it will focus on “creating economic development” during its two year role.

• Primary Source

Arctic Council: Press Release: Arctic Council presents vision for future cooperation in the Arctic http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/resources/news-and-press/press-room/733-press-release-15-may-kiruna-2

BBC News, 15.05.15: China joins Arctic Council but a decision on the EU is deferred http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22527822

ESO: Background information: Joint Statement by HR/VP Catherine Ashton and EU Commissioner Maria Damanaki regarding Arctic Council decision on EU's observer status http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-joint-statement-by-hr-vp-catherine-ashton-and-eu-commissioner-maria-damanaki-regarding-arctic-council-decision-on-eus-observer-status/

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