CHINA-US: US NOMINATES OFFICER TO MONITOR CHINESE ACTIVITIES IN ARCTIC
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Wall Street Journal reported (July 29) that the US State Department had nominated James DeHart, a career diplomat, as the first U.S. coordinator for the Arctic region to coordinate Arctic policy and engaging other Arctic nations in regional talks efforts to bolster the U.S. position in the Arctic. An important aspect of his duties includes repelling China’s advances and capitalizing on commercial opportunities there. DeHart said in an interview “A year or two from now, I think people are going to look back on the period of time that we’re in now and recognize it as a pivot point for us on the Arctic. We’re launching a comprehensive and integrated diplomatic strategy and engagement with the Arctic.” China’s pursuit of what its officials have referred to as the Polar Silk Road is cause for concern, he said.
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