Beijing:China has called for "full respect" regarding the "right and freedom" of countries to engage in activities in the Arctic following the European Union's release of its updated Arctic strategy.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China's involvement in the Arctic is focused on promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development within the region.

Mao Ning's comments were made in response to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas's statement on Tuesday, which highlighted the Arctic as a "front line" in global power dynamics, particularly due to the increasing presence and ambitions of Russia and China in the area.

The European Union's revised strategy aims to address these developments by prioritizing security. Mao Ning asserted that China's actions in the Arctic comply with international law and criticized the bloc approach, reminiscent of the Cold War, as counterproductive to achieving peace and stability in the Arctic.