China slams ‘Cold War mentality’ after new EU Arctic plan

China’s Arctic activities aim to promote peace, stability and sustainable development in accordance with international law, said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. (EPA Images pic).BEIJING: China on Thursday opposed what it called a “Cold War mentality” fuelling tensions in the Arctic after the EU raised security concerns over Beijing’s cooperation with Russia in the region.The EU unveiled on Tuesday a push to boost Arctic surveillance and expand icebreaker fleets, alluding to China's growing "strategic ambitions... as it deepens its partnership with Russia".Europe, China, Russia and the United States are jostling for influence in the polar region that is seen as an important trade route.This summer, a Chinese shipowner began a weekly container service through the Arctic on an express route to Europe, prompting concerns over vessels warming polar ice.Beijing and Moscow agreed this week to "expand cooperation" in Arctic shipping, including increasing the number of routes between Russian and Chinese ports, according to a joint communique released after a meeting between their prime ministers.Asked about the new EU strategy and calls from foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to bolster the bloc's defences in the Arctic, China denounced what it called a "Cold War mentality"."China's activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting the Arctic's peaceful, stable and sustainable development, and are in accordance with international law," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a regular news conference."Using Cold War mentality to create factions and incite geopolitical confrontation is not conducive to the peaceful and stable development of the Arctic region," she said, without naming the EU specifically.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks during a press conference at the ministry in Beijing. (EPA Images pic)BEIJING: China opposed on Thursday "using Cold War mentality" to stoke conflict over the Arctic after the EU linked Beijing's cooperation with Russia in the region to security concerns.The EU unveiled on Tuesday a push to boost Arctic surveillance and expand icebreaker fleets, alluding to China's growing "strategic ambitions...