The Arctic, New Silk Road of the 21st Century

By

Cho Tae-yul

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
To Kookmin Ilbo
On May 21, 2013

Translated by Korea Foundation

"The United States is an Arctic nation." This is clearly stated in a 2010 White House report on national security strategy. And in May this year, U.S. President Barack Obama announced a "National Strategy for the Arctic Region" for the first time in U.S. history, outlining his government's strategic priorities in the region.

Obama begins his statement by declaring, "The Arctic is one of our planet`s last great frontiers,” and emphasizes “the need to embark on a journey with the American people`s pioneering spirit” to achieve the sustainable development and environmental protection of the Arctic region. Why does the United States attach such importance to the Arctic? The answer lies in its strategic value and economic potential.

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