The Ice Silk Road Research Center Was Established

Since its preparation in early 2015, the Ice Silk Road Research Group has carried out a lot of fruitful surveys and researches. Recently, under the guidance of relevant government departments of China, the Ice Silk Road Research Center was established in Beijing, with its secretariat located in the International Cooperation Center (ICC). The establishment of a specialized agency to conduct systematic research on the Arctic issues will play an important role in helping China and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in the development and utilization of the Northern Sea Route, carry out research on shipping in the Arctic, and jointly build the "Ice Silk Road".

The Research Center will conduct surveys and researches closely around the collection and enrichment of basic information and data in the areas along the "Ice Silk Road", the transportation in the Arctic and related transportation network, the development, utilization and layout of energy resources in the Arctic, the development and evolution of rights & interests and laws in the Arctic, and the ecological changes in the Arctic. Meanwhile, the Research Center will focus on geopolitical issues, economic system evolution and its development laws related to the Arctic, and provide strategic decisions and suggestions for issues such as the development and change of international relations and international status of the Arctic.

The "Ice Silk Road" refers to the maritime route that connects the economic centers of North America, East Asia and Western Europe through the Arctic Circle, having great strategic significance and commercial potential. China is a large maritime and shipping country, with more than 90% of its cargos for foreign trade shipped by sea. Ocean routes are crucial to promote the development of China's blue economy and ensure a smooth water freight chain. Among the traditional ocean routes, the routes to Europe are relatively limited, and the time and economic costs of ship navigation are large. The Northern Sea Route is a "golden waterway" connecting China and Europe, which, as estimated, will make the route from the ports to the north of Shanghai to the ports in Western Europe, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea 25% to 55% shorter than the traditional route, and save international shipping costs for billions of dollars each year.