Oil Gas: Russia China

oil gas: Countries have been scrambling to claim territory or, like China, boost their presence in the region as thawing ice raises the possibility of exploiting much of the world's remaining undiscovered reserves of oil and gas, plus huge deposits of minerals such as zinc, iron and rare earth metals, according to The Japan Times. Pompeo said all were welcome to share in the Arctic's wealth, but raised doubts about the aims of Russia and China, both of which have been increasing their presence in the region. Speaking as he arrived in northern Finland for a meeting of nations with territory in the Arctic, Pompeo said China appeared to have national security aims there, and Russia's activities, including plans for new shipping channels from Asia to Northern Europe, deserved a closer look. ; The United States and Arctic nations welcome transparent Chinese investment that reflect economic interests, not national security ambitions, Pompeo said in a speech. The Pentagon warned just last week that China could use its civilian research presence in the Arctic to strengthen its military presence, including by deploying submarines to the region as a deterrent against nuclear attacks, he told delegates at the conference in Rovaniemi, Finland. China's pattern of aggressive behavior elsewhere will inform how it treats the Arctic. We need to examine these activities closely, and keep the experience of other nations in mind. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.