China rebukes Trump's remarks on Greenland, stresses peaceful arctic role

(ECNS) - China's activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday, responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on Greenland.

"If we don't do it, Russia or China will," Trump said last week.

Mao said that the Arctic involves the collective interests of the international community and that China's presence there fully complies with international law.

"The rights and freedoms of countries to operate in the Arctic in accordance with the law should be fully respected," Mao said, adding that "The U.S. is pursuing self-interest, and it should not use other countries as an excuse."

(By Zhang Jiahao)