Pompeo censures role of Russia, China in Arctic

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday criticised the role of Russia and China in the Arctic region.

Speaking on “Looking North: Sharpening America’s Arctic Focus” at the Lappi Arena in Rovaniemi, Finland on the eve of Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting, he termed the Russia’s role “aggressive”, although he avoided the climate change issue, which is considered top priority of the Arctic Council in his speech.

The US secretary urged both the countries to act according to rules.

“…. the Arctic is a place of wilderness, that does not mean it should become a place of lawlessness,” said Pompeo.

He, however, did not point out his country’s efforts to combat climate change.

He expressed his country’s concern over the military activities of Russia in the Arctic region, terming the Russian role to foreign vessels in the water of Arctic aggressive and provocative.

He also spoke on the Russian role in capturing Crimea, saying, “about 13 thousands Ukrainians were killed. …because we know Russian territorial ambitions can turn violent.”

He also criticised the role of China in the region, saying, “China’s pattern of aggressive behaviour elsewhere will inform how it treats the Arctic.”

Pompeo, however, welcomed the Chinese investment in the Arctic but viewed that it should be only for economic interest, not national security ambitions.