China will not cross the line or intervene in the affairs entirely among Arctic countries. China will also not be absent from cross-regional and global issues of the Arctic and can and will play a constructive role, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

(File Photo: VCG)

The Arctic situation is not only about the Arctic countries, but of global significance and international influence, said Geng.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized China’s participation in Arctic affairs at a speech during the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Finland on Monday.

Geng said that the criticism of China's participation in Arctic affairs from certain US individuals is totally inconsistent with the facts. This contradicts the peaceful cooperation trend on Arctic affairs and such criticism is nothing but calling white black with ulterior motives.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at the regular press conference on May 7. (Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

China has always participated in Arctic affairs in an open, cooperative and win-win manner. We insist on the leading position of scientific research and advocate environmental protection, careful use, legal governance and international cooperation. China has no geopolitical calculations and seeks no exclusionary blocs, said Geng.

China is willing to work with relevant parties to jointly understand, protect and use the Arctic and participate in the governance of the Arctic, contributing to the peace, stability and sustainable development of the Arctic, Geng added.