China and India join Arctic Council as observers

China, India and three other countries from Asia have gained observer status on the Arctic Council, marking the first time Asian countries have been accepted as observers to the council.

Observers are allowed to attend council ministerial meetings and to participate in council working groups, but they are not allowed to speak or vote at ministerial meetings. They are also not allowed to challenge the ownership of Arctic coastal areas.

China and India will be joined by Japan, South Korea and Singapore as observers, along with Italy (indicated in purple in the graphic). A decision on whether or not to admit the European Union as an observer has been held up by a dispute with Canada over a European ban on seal products.