Arctic: Pompeo accuses Russia and China of aggressive behavior

The United States wants to strengthen its presence in the Arctic, in order to meet, according to the foreign Minister, Mike Pompeo of "aggressive behavior" of China and Russia in the resource-rich area. The Arctic had become because of their stocks of Oil, Gas and minerals, as well as because of their fish occurrence to a scene of global competition, said Pompeo on Monday prior to a Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council in Finland's Rovaniemi.

"Only because the Arctic is a place of Wilderness, doesn't mean that it should be a place of lawlessness," said Pompeo. He criticized Attempts by Beijing to influence is in the polar region. China is not a littoral state of the Arctic and therefore, Arctic Council observer status.

Pompeo pointed to fears of the Pentagon, according to which China wants to build a permanent military presence at the North pole, with U-boats to nuclear defense. He demanded to monitor Beijing's activities.

New territorial claims by climate warming

The U.S. foreign Minister also criticised Russian territorial claims on the new, faster shipping routes, which are due to the climate warming passable. "Moscow demands already way illegal, that other Nations ask Russia for permission before you use the Route through the Arctic ocean," said Pompeo. He announced that the U.S. would intensify its diplomatic and military presence in the Arctic, including through the reconstruction of the icebreaker fleet.

Russia had said last month that its military and economic efforts were in the Arctic is not a threat to other countries. "Everything we do is to ensure the security of the country. We threaten no one," had the Minister of foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov declared.

The Arctic Council deals with the protection of the environment at the North pole and the climate protection. The body of the eight States bordering the Arctic, including Finland, the USA and Russia. (sep/AFP)

Created: 06.05.2019, 21:59 PM