From October 23 to 24, the 13th China-Russia Arctic Forum, co-organized by Ocean University of China (OUC) and St. Petersburg State University, was held in Qingdao. Invited guests included Liu Yong, Vice President of OUC, Ling Tiejun, Deputy Director of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, and Anton Vasiliev, former Russian Senior Arctic Official and Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland, and incumbent Vice -Rector of Northern (Arctic) Federal University.

In his address, Liu Yong illustrated OUC’s progress in advancing polar science research. He highlighted that the 13th China-Russia Arctic Forum would provide new perspectives on Arctic governance, and spark fresh ideas, views, and methodologies. OUC will continue to strengthen pragmatic cooperation with Russia in areas such as people-to-people exchanges in the Arctic, aiming for collaborative achievements that contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Arctic region.

Ling Tiejun highly commended the China-Russia Arctic Forum, noting its significant role in fostering pragmatic cooperation on both academic and civil levels. He emphasized that, as this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, it is of high relevance for scholars from both countries to engage in the 13th forum and expand their exchanges and cooperation. 

Anton Vasiliev noted that the forum was held at an opportune moment to further strengthen exchanges and deepen China-Russia cooperation. Wang Qi, Dean of the School of International Affairs and Public Administration at OUC, highlighted that the school would continue to support the forum, expand and deepen China-Russia exchanges and cooperation, and make joint efforts to advance polar research and development.

Under the theme “China-Russia Arctic Cooperation”, the forum held thematic discussions on five topics, namely, “People-to-people Exchanges and Cooperation in the Arctic”, “Utilization and Cooperation on Arctic Shipping Routes”, “Arctic Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development”, “Arctic Cooperation and Global Governance”, and “Technological Innovation and Cooperation in the Arctic”. Scholars and experts from Chinese and Russian universities and research institutions discussed the prospects of Arctic cooperation, strategic challenges, and academic innovation from multiple perspectives.