The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China published a white paper titled "China's Arctic Policy" which it released on January 26, 2018. With this China joins other non-Arctic states including Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan in presenting an Arctic policy document. The 4 section, 5 paragraph White Paper asserts China's standing as a "near Arctic state" and a regional stakeholder. It also clearly articulates its plans to fold a 'Polar Silk Road' into its BRI. Beijing's goals in the region, according to the document, were summarised as the requirement to 'understand, protect, develop and participate in the governance of the Arctic'. Beijing did express its interest in developing Arctic sea routes as well as resource extraction, but clearly stated that it was not seeking to challenge local governance or institutions and underscored the need for peaceful development.
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