The US Department of Defense said on Monday that Washington monitors the growing interaction between Russia and China in the Arctic and is concerned about it.
"The United States distorts China's Arctic policy and makes irresponsible statements about China's normal activities in the Arctic, carried out in accordance with international law," Mao said, when commenting on the Pentagon's statements, adding that China "strongly protests" this.
The spokeswoman added that China is an important party in Arctic affairs and strengthens cooperation with all partners, based on the principles of mutual benefit and sustainability.