Beijing calls on US not to use Russia and China to justify claims to Arctic

Beijing on Monday pushed back on U.S. President Donald Trump using China and Russia as “pretext” for Washington’s “selfish” ambitions in the Arctic region, likely referring to Greenland.

"China’s activities in Arctic region are conducive to peace and stability and sustainable development and international law,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

According to her, the Arctic region bears on the common interests of the international community.

Beijing’s comments came after Trump on Sunday argued that taking over Greenland is necessary for the US to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the strategic Arctic territory of Denmark.