Six countries have been granted permanent observer status by the Arctic Council . Canada claims the passage , which links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans , runs through its internal waterways . China , Germany , India , South Korea , Russia and Italy became permanent observers . The UK 's bid has been ` ` rejected '' , possibly due to an unresolved dispute with Russia . Melting ice in the Arctic region has opened up the Northern Sea Route , cutting shipping times .
Six countries have been granted permanent observer status by the Arctic Council . China , Germany , India , South Korea , Russia and Italy became permanent observers . The UK 's bid has been ` ` rejected '' , possibly due to an unresolved dispute with Russia . Melting ice in the Arctic region has opened up the Northern Sea Route , cutting shipping times .