"China will first get to know the Arctic better, and then it is able to join effectively international cooperation, " Mr. Gao said, according to Xinhua.

WSJ: Arctic Council Grants Observer Status to Six Countries

Plainly, South Korea is serving notice that it is now Asia's newest developed country, even as it prepares to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development - the rich nations' club - next year.

CNN: THE NEW KOREA

The Russian Federation and the United States are precisely those countries which have a special responsibility for ensuring nuclear security of the world, and they managed to join efforts in this good example of cooperation.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Makes a Trilateral Announcement with the Presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan | The White House

And I call on other nations to join us on this journey, in the spirit of cooperation and friendship.

CNN: Bush: 'It is time for America to take the next steps' in space