Mr. Chair and honourable members, I'm delighted to have the opportunity to appear before you once again, and thank you for the invitation.
In my capacity as Executive Director for Global Affairs' Canada's Greater China division, I am pleased to provide a perspective on China's growing interest in the Arctic and what it means for Canada.
As many of you are probably aware, in recent years, China has explicitly vocalised their interest in participating in governance, multilateral fora, scientific research and investment in the Arctic.
Further signalling their ambitions, the Chinese State Council Information Office released China's Arctic policy white paper on January 26, 2018. This document is largely a compendium of previously discussed interests, such as increasing scientific research collaboration, expanding commercial investments, and playing a larger role in Arctic governance.
The white paper describes China as a “Near-Arctic State” that seeks “to understand, protect, develop and participate in the governance of the Arctic”, and cites mutual respect with incumbent Arctic states as the key basis for their engagement.
Most notably, the white paper reveals the polar Silk Road concept, which looks to connect China's belt and road initiative to the Arctic, including through the use of the Northwest Passage. This project clearly demonstrates China's interest in the commercial potential of the Arctic as a transportation corridor and a source of natural resources. The belt and road initiative also expands China's geopolitical reach, and provides Beijing with the opportunity to create international hub-and-spoke commercial relationships centred on China.
This past summer, as my colleague mentioned, the Chinese research vessel, the Xue Long, or Snow Dragon, made a high-profile transit through Canadian waters in the Arctic for the purposes of conducting marine scientific research. China obtained Canada's consent to navigate Canadian Arctic waters, after satisfying Canadian officials that the vessel would comply with all relevant legislation and regulations.
In keeping with standard marine scientific research practice, the Polar Research Institute of China extended an invitation to Canadian scientists to join the Chinese researchers aboard the Xue Long during the Canadian portion of their expedition. Afterwards, the Chinese media promoted the passage as a successful test of a new trading route through the Northwest Passage.
As China seeks to position itself as an integral stakeholder in the economic development of the Arctic, it has shown considerable interest in infrastructure development and resource utilization in Canada's north. As the Canadian Arctic continues to draw interest as an economically strategic region, we can expect to see further requests for commercial and scientific collaboration from China.
In recognizing the opportunities and the importance of developing infrastructure in the Arctic, we must work diligently to ensure that any foreign investments coming into Canada will be consistent with the sustainable development of local communities and contribute to Canada's national interests. While we welcome China's objective to work constructively and make positive contributions to the Arctic region, concerns regarding foreign investment and sustainable development of infrastructure remain. As we look to develop Arctic infrastructure, we need to consider the interests of parties who are investing, as well as the risks.
As China takes a more active role in global affairs, including in the Arctic region, Global Affairs Canada will continue to seek a comprehensive relationship with China built on trust and mutual benefit, within which common interests and respective concerns, including climate change and environmental stewardship, can be addressed.
Once again, I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
We would be pleased to answer your questions.