BEIJING, December 11. /TASS/. Sino-Russian joint efforts in the Arctic contribute to strengthening stability in the region and should not be deliberately distorted by some countries to make groundless accusations, the China Daily newspaper says.

"China has reiterated on many occasions that its cooperation with Russia in the Arctic is not targeted at a third party but only to promote regional stability. No country should maliciously distort or misinterpret China's Arctic policy and make groundless accusations," emphasized an editorial in the publication, addressing the "growing suspicion" of the United States regarding Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic.

The article notes that Arctic issues concern not only the countries of the region. According to the authors, China has always participated in Arctic affairs in line with such principles as mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and sustainability. "China is committed to maintaining peace and stability and promoting sustainable development in the region," the authors say.

The authors also draw attention to the fact that it is the US, not China, that carries out the most extensive surveillance and reconnaissance activities. The article mentions instances of American ships and aircraft approaching Chinese territory, creating "serious threats to national security" and "undermining peace and stability in the region."

"The US and Canada should not be suspicious about China's normal activities in the Arctic and do more to contribute to Arctic governance," the authors concluded.

On December 5, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience Iris Ferguson expressed concern about the increasing levels of collaboration between Russia and the PRC, especially in the military domain. According to Ferguson, NATO has increasingly focused on Arctic issues following Finland and Sweden's accession to the alliance. The next day, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told reporters that Ottawa would enhance its diplomatic presence regarding the Arctic to "better understand" the actions of Russia and China.