Beijing rejects EU's criticism of China's Arctic presence

In response to the European Union's fresh criticism of China's presence in the Arctic, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said setting up different blocs based on Cold War thinking and stirring up geopolitical confrontation are "not conducive to the peaceful and stable development of the Arctic region".

The EU unveiled a new Arctic strategy on Tuesday identifying China's growing presence in the region and its cooperation with Russia as security concerns, Russian media reported.

"With Russia and China increasing their footprint and ambition, the Arctic has become a front line of global power competition," EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday.

In response, Mao said the Arctic involves the overall interests of the international community, and the rights and freedoms of all countries to conduct lawful activities in the Arctic should be fully respected.

"China's activities in the Arctic are aimed at advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and are in accordance with international law," she said at a daily news conference in Beijing on Thursday.