[Title] Joint Statement, The Third Trilateral High-Level Dialogue on the Arctic

1. The Third Trilateral High-Level Dialogue on the Arctic was held on June 8, 2018 in Shanghai, China. Mr. Gao Feng, Special Representative for Arctic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Kang Jeong-sik, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, and Mr. Eiji Yamamoto, Ambassador in charge of Arctic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan attended this Dialogue as the Heads of Delegations (HoDs).

2. The three HoDs recognized the positive role of the Trilateral High-Level Dialogue on the Arctic as one of the outcomes of the Sixth Trilateral Summit in 2015. The HoDs also reaffirmed the importance to promote trilateral cooperation on the Arctic, especially in the area of scientific research, as endorsed in the Joint Declaration of the Seventh Trilateral Summit on May 9, 2018.

3. The three HoDs recognized that the changing Arctic brings about opportunities and challenges with global implications and international impacts, and reaffirmed the importance for the international community to maintain peace, stability and constructive cooperation in a rule-based manner. Through this Dialogue, the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea addressed common challenges over the Arctic, from the perspective of East Asian countries, and reiterated their intention to make contributions to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in the Arctic.

4. Noting the latest progress on their respective Arctic policies, the three HoDs welcomed the first white paper on China’s Arctic Policy publicized this January, and the third Basic Plan on Ocean Policy adopted by Japan to further strengthen its policy in the Arctic. They also noted with expectation that ROK is planning to announce its 2nd Arctic Policy Master Plan in the coming months. The HoDs stressed the importance of policy dialogue in enhancing mutual understanding and facilitating cooperation in the Arctic among the three countries.

5. The three HoDs continued to promote scientific research as priority for cooperation among the three countries. The HoDs supported the enhancement of the exchange of information on Arctic expeditions, and encouraged the sharing of scientific data and further development of collaborative surveys. They also discussed the possibility of exploring other areas for cooperation in the Arctic.

6. Representatives from the three Delegations briefed respectively on their joint scientific activities in the Pacific side of the Arctic Ocean confirmed by the three countries. The three HoDs agreed to follow up these activities on a regular basis.

7. The three HoDs noted with appreciation that the Fifth Symposium of the North Pacific Arctic Research Community was held in Shanghai back-to-back with this Dialogue. They commended the work done by the NPARC to promote trilateral cooperation in the Arctic.

8. The three HoDs welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the draft Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean, and expressed their willingness to make efforts in the follow-ups of the Agreement.

9. The three HoDs valued the positive role of the Arctic Council, especially in environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic. The three countries, all became accredited observers to the Council in 2013, are willing to further strengthen their respective contributions to the work of the Council, by cooperating with the Arctic States, Permanent Participants and other observers, through engagement including in the Working Groups, Task Forces and Expert Groups. The HoDs shared the intention to communicate the discussions of this Dialogue to the Council in line with previous practice.

10. The three HoDs underscored the importance of other international fora addressing the global challenges in the Arctic, and expressed their willingness to enhance their engagement, including making best use of their scientific experience and knowledge.

11. The three HoDs recognized the Trilateral High-Level Dialogue on the Arctic as an important platform for deepening and broadening cooperation on the Arctic among the three countries. The Republic of Korea proposed to host the Fourth Trilateral High-Level Dialogue on the Arctic in 2019, the People’s Republic of China and Japan welcomed this offer. [The End]