Chinese businessmen have followed in the footsteps of scientists with investments (offers of) investments, free trade agreements and joint ventures with local companies in the strategic energy, infrastructure and mining sectors. China has achieved permanent observer status at the Arctic Council, calls itself an “almost” Arctic state, considers the “Polar silk” sea route in northern Russia to be strategic, and wants its “legitimate” share in Arctic natural resources. As Rear Admiral (retirement) Yin Zhuo`s said in 2010: “China`s population is one-fifth of the world`s population, so why not get one-fifth of the resources in Antarctica and the Arctic?” He added that China would fight for that right. This is not a minister from the Arctic Council and important new agreements are not expected. Curiously, this event is simply intended to refresh the promises and principles that were already agreed ten years ago. On May 11, 2017, at the last Arctic Council ministerial meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska, the eight countries in the region signed an agreement to improve international scientific cooperation in the Arctic. On Wednesday of this week, the agreement came into force with the aim of promoting scientific cooperation and allowing research equipment and samples to move easily across borders. The agreement is seen as a direct response to the challenges Russian scientists have faced in transporting equipment west and from it. Similarly, Western scientists have faced restrictions on increasing personnel and equipment inside and outside Russia (The Independent Barents Observer). Take 2: In these times of growing tensions between the West and Russia, this agreement shows that there can be and that there is cooperation in the field of science. When it comes to Arctic research, it is the countries in the polar region that benefit the most when they can work together.
Facilitating the easy transport of researchers and equipment by different border countries allows for closer scientific cooperation, as countries and indigenous peoples continue to face the growing risks of climate change. As far as the future is concerned, “Ilulissat Two” seems to be united and united on all the essential points. This time, the invitations were extended not only to the arctic Ocean, but also to Finland, Iceland, Sweden and the Arctic populations. As the two Danish researchers concluded, all the major players in the Arctic have come to recognize the value of Ilulissat`s declaration, even though it has not solved all the problems. The researchers even advise the Danish government to continue to support the use of the A5 institution. The researchers conclude that it has proven useful not only as a complement to the Arctic Council, with its limited mandate, but especially from the point of view of Denmark and Greenland. This year, more stakeholders were invited, but the level of participants is not as high as in 2008. This is probably because this anniversary does not bring anything new to the table, but simply confirms the common will to cooperate peacefully and delineate the seabed in the Arctic Ocean. As some organizers have said openly, the political climate between Russia and the rest is not ripe for such new agreements. In 2017, Arctic countries have concluded a scientific cooperation agreement that has already paid off.
Scientists from The Member States have set up a number of expert groups, including the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. The result is timely reporting for decision-makers, for example. B on the extent of ocean acidification and another on pollution risks.