China's activities in Arctic are in line with international law: FM spokesperson

(ECNS) -- China's activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting the peace, stability and sustainable development of the region and are in line with the international law, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

Mao made the remarks at a news conference in response to a related query, which noted that the EU's new Arctic strategy identifies China's growing presence in the region and its cooperation with Russia as security concerns.

The spokesperson said the Arctic bears on the common interests of the international community. Countries' rights and freedom to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law need to be fully respected.

Dividing countries into blocs out of the Cold War mentality and inciting geopolitical confrontation are not in the interest of peace, stability and development in the Arctic region, Mao said.

(By Zhang Dongfang)