Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, February 25 (Xinhua) – Western countries are turning the Arctic into a new arena of confrontation and military-political standoff, and NATO has clearly become carried away by the militarization of the Arctic. This was stated by Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Affairs at the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russia's senior official in the Arctic Council.
"We see that, thanks to the efforts of our Western colleagues, this region, which for decades remained essentially on the periphery of geopolitical battles, is rapidly losing its status as a zone of low tension and turning into a new arena of confrontation and military-political standoff. NATO has clearly become obsessed with the militarization of the Arctic: it is strengthening its offensive potential, increasing military training activities, and bringing in countries far from the Arctic," TASS quoted Maslennikov as saying during a discussion at the Valdai International Discussion Club.
According to him, Russia does not pose a threat to third countries in the Arctic, but, on the contrary, consistently strives to maintain peace and stability in the region.
"Our country, as the largest Arctic power, demonstrates a truly responsible attitude toward the region and consistently strives to maintain peace and stability in the high latitudes. The Russian Federation poses no threat to anyone in the Arctic and remains committed to international law and the search for political and diplomatic solutions to issues arising there," the diplomat noted.
"It's clear that the shift in global focus to the Arctic, including from the United States, is largely due to its vast resources and potential in economics, transportation, scientific development, and innovation. However, the Arctic is far from a no-man's land," V. Maslennikov emphasized. Rights to develop this region, "regulation of economic, environmental, research, and other activities are generally divided among the Arctic countries" and are exercised in accordance with international law, the Russian Foreign Ministry representative added.
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