The Biden administration has announced plans to create a new ambassador-general position to represent the Arctic region amid rising geopolitical tensions with two other major players in the region, China and Russia. “To advance American interests and cooperation with Allies and partners in the Arctic, and after extensive consultation with members of Congress, local and federal government officials, and external stakeholders, the President plans to elevate the position of Arctic Coordinator by appointing a Ambassador at Large for the Arctic Region, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate,” the State Department wrote in a press release on Friday. He explained that a “peaceful” and “prosperous” Arctic region is of “critical strategic importance” to the United States as well as a “priority” for Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The State Department said “the fight against climate change” also contributed to the creation of the new post. DIVERS RECOVER FORD F-150 THAT SINKS IN ARCTIC WATERS OFF CANADA WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 28: US President Joe Biden gestures as he delivers remarks on the Inflation Relief Act of 2022 (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The administration wrote that the new ambassador’s task will be to “advance” US policy in the region while working with counterparts in Arctic and non-Arctic nations as well as indigenous groups. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Congress to quickly confirm the Ambassador-at-Large once a nomination is sent to the Senate,” the press release added. The new position comes as Russia aggressively stakes claims to new Arctic sea lanes opened up by retreating ice, while China has branded itself a “quasi-Arctic state” as it expands its control over the region. the York Post reported. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Aircraft assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing and the 168th Wing park in formation at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec. 18, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keith Holcomb) The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Andrew Mark Miller is a writer at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips at [email protected]
