China defended its Arctic activities after the European Union (EU) made security and resilience one of four priorities in its new Arctic strategy, as warming heightens competition over access.
At an Oct. 22 regular press conference, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Mao Ning answered a question about the plan, China’s Arctic role and cooperation with Russia. Mao said China’s activities in the region comply with international law and are intended to support peace, stability and sustainable development. She said geopolitical confrontation and bloc politics would undercut those aims. “Countries’ right and freedom to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law needs to be fully respected,” Mao said.
The European Commission and the EU’s High Representative presented the strategy Oct. 20. It sets four priorities: security and resilience, climate action, prosperity, and opportunities for people and communities in the Arctic. It also calls for a Maritime Security Hub.
The Commission says the plan builds on the EU’s 2021 Arctic policy and is intended to benefit Arctic communities while respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The earlier policy emphasized diplomacy, climate and environmental action, and sustainable development for Arctic residents and future generations; the new version gives security its own place among the priorities.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas linked Arctic warming to the wider contest, saying shrinking ice is making resources and shipping routes more accessible. She cited Russia’s expanding military presence and China’s strategic ambitions as signs of broader power competition. Kallas said the pursuit of economic opportunities should not come at the cost of the Arctic environment or its people.
The EU and Canada are scheduled to hold a summit Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29-30.
