On September 25, 2025, Jilin University hosted the above forum, co-organized by its Northeast Asian Research Center, School of Northeast Asian Studies, Arctic Research Institute and China-Russia Regional Cooperation Research Center.

Rising temperatures have boosted the value of Arctic shipping routes. Russia has elevated the Arctic to a national strategic priority. At the 2025 Eastern Economic Forum, President Putin put forward the plan for a Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and pledged to expand development of the Far East and the Arctic via enhanced international cooperation. Nearly 20 experts from Chinese and Russian institutions attended the event to discuss Arctic route development and marine economic cooperation. The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor Zhao Yang, with opening remarks delivered by Professor Wu Hao.

Professor Wu noted that the 2025 China-Russia joint statement underscored mutually beneficial cooperation on Arctic shipping routes. He hoped participants could share ideas and offer intellectual support for sustainable Arctic development and bilateral cooperation.

Scholars held in-depth discussions on the integrated development of Russia’s Far East and the Arctic, as well as marine economic cooperation across Northeast Asia. The session was chaired by Professor Zhu Xianping. Russian specialists introduced the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, bilateral cooperation progress, development prospects and digital governance experience. Chinese experts analyzed bilateral trade and energy cooperation. Participants also exchanged views on Far East urban clusters, the Northern Sea Route, South Korea’s marine strategy and the Greater Tumen Initiative.

Professor Li Tianzi presided over the closing session and made a summary. She stated that the forum followed Russia’s latest development policies, built a sound exchange platform for scholars from both countries, and offered support for deeper China-Russia ties and long-term regional growth.