China rejected on Monday what it described as attempts by the United States to use Russia and China as a pretext for advancing its own interests in the Arctic. Speaking at a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that the Arctic is a region of shared international interest.
Mao stated, “China’s activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and are fully consistent with international law.” She stressed that China does not accept the US using either China or Russia as justification for pursuing its unilateral objectives in the area.
The remarks came in response to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s recent proposal during a visit to Iceland, advocating for NATO cooperation to counter what he characterized as “threats” from Russia and China in the Arctic.
Separately, former US President Donald Trump previously highlighted Greenland’s strategic significance for American national security, claiming the island was surrounded by what he described as Russian and Chinese vessels. Trump warned, “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will, and I won’t allow that to happen.”
However, the Financial Times cited two senior Northern European diplomats who disputed Trump’s claims, stating that no Russian or Chinese ships or submarines have been observed near Greenland in recent years. The diplomats noted that military activity has been limited to the Russian side of the Arctic, not the waters surrounding Greenland. Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic and the London Stock Exchange’s vessel registries also confirm no presence of Russian or Chinese vessels near the island.
Further affirming this, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that reports claiming the presence of “numerous Russian and Chinese ships” near Greenland are inaccurate.
Source: Al-Manar Website