(Photo: CGTN)

The measures China has taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have had a positive influence on the climate and ecological environment of the Arctic region, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Wednesday during a regular press briefing. 

He was answering a question about US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's recent remarks, which claimed that China's carbon dioxide emissions are increasing greatly and boasted of the US's leading role in environmental protection globally. 

Geng said China has played an important part in the conclusion, signing and implementation of the Paris Agreement, which has won unanimous appraisal from the global community.  

"On the contrary, it is quite clear to the world who withdrew the Paris Agreement, and who is impeding the global cooperation to deal with climate change," Geng emphasized. 

Geng also pointed out that, according to media reports, due to the US' different stance on climate change, no final declaration was reached at the 11th Arctic Council Ministerial meeting, which is unprecedented in the council's 23 year history.

The meeting was held on May 7 in Finland among Arctic Council member states including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. 

Citing the unique geological location and vulnerable ecology of the Arctic area, Geng stressed that China is willing to work with relevant parties to further enhance political consensus and cooperation to effectively tackle the challenges brought by climate change to the Arctic.