Opinion: There’s a Strong Case for an Asian Arctic Dialogue

Between hosting the Arctic Circle Japan Forum and China-India-Russia scientific cooperation, there is an international appetite for Asian states to play a great role in restoring Arctic cooperation, argues Calvin Heng.

On a dimly lit stage, set against an azure backdrop tinged with touches of white as though to mimic the very essence of a glacial landscape, five suited men settled into their armchairs. The date was March 5th, 2023, the second day of the Arctic Circle Japan Forum (ACJF). Imprinted on the backdrop was a tessellation of Arctic Circle logos—white silhouettes holding hands around a polar projection of the globe. From afar, the outline resembled a snowflake.