China Arctic Council bid approved

Following a final round of discussions in the Swedish city of Corona, China's permanent observer status in the Arctic Council has been approved.

The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation and coordination over issues such as sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. China's approved bid means it will be able to attend all meetings.

The Arctic Council currently includes eight member states: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States. Only Arctic Council member states have voting rights.