Japan must be actively involved in creating rules for…

Japan must be actively involved in creating rules for use of Arctic Ocean

It is important to make the Arctic Ocean free and open, as there are growing expectations for the utilization of the area as a sea route and the exploitation of natural resources there. It is hoped that Japan will be proactively involved in laying down international rules on these matters.

Due to further melting of the ice in the Arctic Ocean through the influence of global warming, using the area as a sea route throughout the year is becoming more of a real possibility. If that comes to pass, the distance of a sea route between Asia and Europe would be reduced by about 40 percent, compared with that via the Suez Canal. The area also has an abundance of such resources as natural gas and crude oil.

The motives of the countries concerned are complicatedly intertwined. Aiming to keep these resources to itself, Russia has asserted that a vast expanse of the sea is part of its continental shelf. China has set out to take such measures as strengthening relations with Arctic coastal nations, by linking that endeavor to its Belt and Road Initiative to create a mega economic zone.

The law of the sea is applied to the Arctic Ocean, unlike the Antarctic, which comprises a continent. It is necessary to work out an agreement aimed at properly utilizing the Arctic Ocean while observing such principles as the freedom of navigation and the safety of sea traffic.

Reducing marine transportation costs will provide a great advantage for Japanese corporations, too. Ports in Hokkaido and elsewhere that serve as relay points will benefit from that move.

In mid-October, Foreign Minister Taro Kono attended an international conference in Iceland. With a view to realizing sustainable economic activities in the Arctic Ocean, he emphasized Japan will "cooperate with all stakeholders."

Use technological might

In 2015, the government formulated an Arctic Ocean-related policy, the main pillar of which entails such measures as its involvement in the study of environmental changes and the creation of international rules. There is no denying that the government appears to have started late on that matter, but it should effectively promote relevant policies.

In 2020, Japan will host a ministerial conference aimed at discussing international cooperation in the study of issues related to the Arctic Ocean. The meeting is expected to be attended by more than 20 nations, including the United States and Russia, as well as Japan, China and South Korea.

Global warming is progressing in the Arctic region at an accelerated pace. The situation is enhancing the zone's potential as a sea route, while on the other hand, some have pointed out such consequences as adverse effects on the ecosystem.

For many years, Japan has been involved in research on the natural environment of the Arctic region. It is important for the country to contribute to establishing a framework for future environmental preservation and development by utilizing its advanced knowledge and technological strength. That will give Japan a greater say in the endeavor.

An ice-breaking research ship is indispensable for smooth research study. In addition to the United States and Russia, China and South Korea possess such vessels. Japan intends to build an icebreaker for exclusive use in the Arctic region during the first half of the 2020s. Steady efforts must be made in this respect.

Eight countries in the Arctic zone, such as the United States, Russia and Canada, constitute the Arctic Council. Since 2013, Japan, China and South Korea have joined the council as observers.

Some have expressed anxiety about a lack of interest by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump in the matter. Given the importance of the Arctic Ocean for security, it is indispensable for the United States to play a leading role in this field.