China Criticizes EU Strategy on the Arctic
China criticized the EU's Arctic plan, considering it incites geopolitical confrontation
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Beijing, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- China on Thursday criticized a new plan unveiled by the European Union “to enhance security and resilience and support economic prosperity in the Arctic,” calling it “an incitement to geopolitical confrontation.” The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference in response to the European strategy, which cited China’s growing presence and cooperation between Beijing and Moscow as “sources of security concern.”
Xinhua News Agency quoted Mao Ning as saying that the Arctic concerns the overall interests of the international community, emphasizing the need for full respect for the rights of all countries and their freedom to conduct activities there in accordance with the law. She added that China’s activities aim to “promote peaceful, stable, and sustainable development in the Arctic,” affirming that they are “consistent with the provisions of international law.”
The European Union unveiled the plan on Tuesday to enhance “security, resilience, and support for economic prosperity” in the Arctic. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that China and Russia should not be allowed to dominate the sea routes in the region.
This comes amid accelerating cooperation and coordination between China and Russia in the Arctic, as confirmed by a statement issued yesterday following the 31st regular meeting between the heads of government of the two countries, held in St. Petersburg. The statement stressed the importance of increasing cargo volumes through Arctic sea routes and raising the number of maritime trips between Chinese and Russian ports, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of these routes, as well as strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in polar shipbuilding and providing assistance to Chinese and Russian companies participating in cooperation in the region.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had previously affirmed, during his meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Russian Maritime Commission Nikolai Patrushev in Beijing on October 12, that China’s initiative to establish the “Polar Silk Road” aligns with Russia’s efforts to develop Arctic sea routes. He emphasized the need to intensify exchanges on maritime and Arctic affairs and to activate what he described as the “blue engine” to deepen China-Russia relations. (End) S L Q / M A A
