China on Thursday urged “full respect” for the “right and freedom” of countries to conduct activities in the Arctic after the EU published its new Arctic strategy.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China’s activities in the Arctic aim to promote peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.

Her remarks came after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday that the Arctic has become a “front line” in global power competition as Russia and China expanded their “footprint and ambition” in the region.

The bloc’s revised strategy “reflects this new reality and puts security firmly at its core.” Said Kallas.

China’s Arctic activities are in line with international law, said Mao. “Dividing countries into blocs out of the Cold-War mentality and inciting geopolitical confrontation are not in the interest of peace, stability and development in the Arctic region,” she added.