Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday (October 22) that Beijing opposes using a “Cold War mentality” to fuel conflicts in the Arctic, according to Opera Mundi.

The statement came after the EU voiced concern over China-Russia cooperation in the region. “The Arctic affects the common interests of the international community. The right and freedom of countries to conduct activities in the Arctic, in accordance with the law, must be fully respected,” Mao said, in response to a question from RT. The spokeswoman also criticized the formation of geopolitical blocs in the region: “Dividing countries into blocs, with a Cold War mentality, and inciting geopolitical confrontations does not promote peace, stability or development in the Arctic region.” The 31st meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, in St Petersburg, attended by President Vladimir Putin, reaffirmed the commitment to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.