During a press conference in Finland, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Beijing over its “aggressive behaviour” in the oil-rich region. The US official also revealed that America will increase its presence in the region in order to counter Russia and China. Mr Pompeo argued if China continues its current trend, the Arctic will become the next South China Sea.

On the eve of a meeting between the Arctic Council members, Mr Pompeo warned: “The region has become an arena of global power and competition.

“Just because the Arctic is a place of wilderness does not mean it should become a place of lawlessness.”

China has increased its presence in the South China Sea region as it looks to increase the country’s territorial gains.

The acts of aggression in the region have created minor conflicts with other states namely the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

In a veiled threat to Beijing, Mr Pompeo said: “China’s pattern of aggressive behaviour elsewhere will inform how it treats the Arctic.

“Do we want the Arctic Ocean to transform into a new South China Sea, fraught with militarisation and competing territorial claims?”

China is not part of the eight-country Arctic Council but has observer status.

In an effort to distance Beijing from the council, Mr Pompeo insisted that there are only two types of members.

He said: “There are only Arctic States and Non-Arctic States.

“No third category exists, and claiming otherwise entitles China to exactly nothing.”

Beijing has invested heavily in the region and has spent $90billion (£68million) into the newly contested region.

The money is being used to open up the Northern Sea Route as part of Beijing’s New Silk Road project.

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