On October 16 local time, the third Arctic Circle Assembly was opened in Reykjavik of Iceland. Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave a video message at the opening ceremony, expounding China's basic stance on the Arctic issue.

Wang Yi noted that as the "indicator of global change" and an emerging highlight in global development, the Arctic has drawn more and more attention from the international community. China is an important stakeholder in the Arctic. China's participation in Arctic affairs has always been guided by three major principles: respect, cooperation and win-win results.

Wang Yi expressed that respect provides the important basis for China's participation in Arctic affairs. China believes that the rights of non-Arctic countries under international law in the Arctic and the collective interests of the international community should be respected. Cooperation is the fundamental approach China follows in participating in Arctic affairs. China is ready to step up cooperation with all parties concerned for concrete outcomes in a wide range of areas including climate change, scientific research, environmental protection and shipping. Win-win results are the ultimate goals for China's participation in Arctic affairs. The future development of the Arctic bears on the common destiny of mankind. China is ready to participate in Arctic affairs in a constructive way and work with all parties to share opportunities, jointly meet challenges and strive for win-win results, thus make more contributions to the development in the Arctic.

Over 1800 people attended the opening ceremony including political heavyweights such as President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson of Iceland and Prince Albert II of Monaco as well as representatives from political, business and academic circles of 50-odd countries and relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations.