China's activities in the Arctic are in line with the international law, and the United States "should not use other countries as a pretext for seeking selfish gains", a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.

Spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news conference, after reports quoted US President Donald Trump as saying that China or Russia "will take over Greenland" if the US doesn't do it.

The Arctic bears on the common interests of the international community, and China's activities there promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region, Mao said.

"All countries' rights and freedoms to conduct activities in the Arctic according to law should be fully respected," she said.