Fu Ying Urges Arctic Cooperation Over Geopolitical Rivalry

Former Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying led a delegation to the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland, where she advocated for international cooperation on environmental protection and scientific research. During a dialogue with former Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and a session titled "How to Understand China," Fu argued that melting sea ice and rising temperatures are the primary challenges facing the region.

Fu urged nations to prioritize resources for climate assessment over geopolitical competition, characterizing security concerns as "imagined threats." She stated that China is committed to peaceful development and has no intention of seeking global hegemony. To illustrate China's intentions, she cited a joint statement between China and Iceland as a model for practical cooperation on green energy.

In a separate session organized by Tongji University, Professor Pan Min added that the Arctic should not be viewed solely as an arena for rivalry. Pan suggested that interpersonal communication among scientists could help manage existing differences between China and the United States.