China, Japan, South Korea to hold talks on Arctic region

China, Japan and South Korea are to hold talks in Seoul on Thursday on the Arctic, including discussing scientific research projects in the region, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

The meeting will be attended by Kazuko Shiraishi, Japan’s ambassador in charge of Arctic affairs, and her South Korean and Chinese counterparts Kim Chan Woo and Ma Xinmin.

Japan, South Korea and China are all observer states to the Arctic Council and joined the organisation three years ago.

The body seeks to address environmental and development issues relating to the region and also counts Canada, the United States, Russia and the Scandinavian countries among its members.

China is increasingly active in the polar region, becoming one of the biggest mining investors in Greenland and agreeing a free trade deal with Iceland.

The Arctic Council also accepted India as an observer state three years ago.

A Chinese official said last week China would encourage ships flying its flag to take the Northwest Passage via the Arctic Ocean to cut travel times between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.