China's foreign minister has reiterated the principles guiding China's participation in Arctic affairs.

Wang Yi said Beijing always follows respect, cooperation and win-win when it comes to the Arctic.

The 3rd Arctic Circle Assembly is being held in Iceland, which is one of the largest international gatherings concerning the Arctic.

China has sent a high-ranking delegation, led by Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming. They also hosted a country session themed "China's contribution".

Addressing the opening of the session in a video message on Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is an important stakeholder in the Arctic.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE): WANG YI, Chinese Foreign Minister:

"China's participation in Arctic affairs has always been guided by three principles: respect, cooperation and win-win. This is also the theme of China's country session."

Describing China as a "near-Arctic state", Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said any changes in the Arctic would have impact on China.

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): ZHANG MING, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister

"Geographically speaking, China is a 'near-Arctic state'. Climate change and resource exploration in the Arctic region have direct impact on China's climate, environment, agriculture, shipping, trade as well as social and economic development. Therefore, China is a major stakeholder in the Arctic."

China started to turn its eyes to the Arctic as early as 90 years ago. In 1925, it acceded to the Svalbard Treaty, which marked the beginning of China's participation in Arctic affairs.

Since the 1990s, China's involvement in Arctic activities has been expanding both in depth and breadth.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE): ZHANG MING, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister

"China's participation in Arctic affairs now focuses on scientific research, which plays a leading role in both the protection and development of the Arctic region. As I said before, countries both in and outside the region, including China, are paying high attention to environmental protection of the Arctic. I believe China will play an important role in this regard through cooperation with other countries. China will also contribute to the development of the Arctic region, such as setting up new shipping lines and exploiting resources. China has comparative advantages in capital, technology and market. And Arctic countries are also willing to cooperate with China in these fields."

Apart from China, more than 50 countries and regions have also dispatched representatives to the assembly.