China, Russia committed to developing Ice Silk Road

Countries to cooperate on infrastructure

China and Russia will step up efforts to build the Ice Silk Road, aiming to break new ground in bilateral economic and trade relations, Gao Feng, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said Thursday.

During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia in July, Xi said that Russia is an important partner in the construction of the Belt and Road initiative, and urged the two countries to carry out the Northern Sea Route cooperation so as to realize an “Ice Silk Road,” according to the Xinhua News Agency.

China and Russia have achieved positive progress in cooperation on development in the Arctic region, Gao told a press conference held in Beijing.

For example, China COSCO Shipping Corp has completed several trial trips on Arctic shipping routes, according to Gao.

Gao said that transport departments from both countries are constantly improving policies and laws related to development in the Arctic, and Chinese and Russian companies are actively seeking cooperation on oil and gas exploration in the area.

MOFCOM is also joining forces with Russian authorities to promote the development and use of Arctic routes and to advance comprehensive cooperation on infrastructure construction, tourism and scientific expeditions in the area, said Gao.