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

BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's activities in the Arctic, aimed at promoting the peace, stability and sustainable development of the region, are in line with international law, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

Members of China's 16th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition team work on the ice surface of the Arctic Ocean on Aug. 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

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

Mao said the Arctic bears on the common interests of the international community, and countries' rights and freedoms to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law need to be fully respected. "Dividing countries into blocs out of Cold War mentality and inciting geopolitical confrontation are not in the interest of peace, stability and development in the Arctic region," she added.