Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

The rights and freedoms of all countries to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with law must be fully respected, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday said, in response to claims of the US President Donald Trump on Sunday that taking over Greenland is necessary to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the strategic Arctic territory. The US should not use other countries as an excuse for pursuing its own selfish interests, Mao added.

Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday, "If we don't take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland, and I am not going to let that happen... one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland." He stressed that he is not interested in a temporary arrangement, such as leasing territory, but rather a permanent acquisition, according to media reports.  

The Arctic bears on the overall interests of the international community. China's activities in the Arctic aim to advance the peace, stability and sustainable development of the region and are in line with international law, said Mao.

Responding to a follow-up question on Greenland, asking China's comment on the US intent to take over the territory of another country, Mao said China has always held that state-to-state relations should be conducted in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. 

"As for the Arctic, I want to stress that the rights and freedoms of all countries to engage in activities in the Arctic in accordance with law must all be fully respected," Mao reiterated at Monday's press briefing.

Global Times