State Department appoints special envoy to Arctic amid concerns over Russian, Chinese influence there

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The State Department named a special envoy for the Arctic on Wednesday as the Trump administration seeks a greater role in the region to blunt the growing influence of Russia and China in the most northern part of the world.

The appointment of veteran career diplomat Jim DeHart to be U.S. coordinator for the Arctic came just a week after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed enhanced U.S. engagement in the Arctic on a visit to Denmark. The U.S. opened a consulate in the semi-autonomous Danish territory of Greenland earlier this year as part of its new Arctic strategy.

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Pompeo has spoken in the past about the Trump administration’s determination to prevent Russia and China from playing a dominant role in the Arctic, which is heavily affected by climate change. Environmentalists criticized Pompeo last year when he spoke at an Arctic Council event in Finland and said the U.S. and others should exploit changes, including the reduction in ocean ice, for economic benefit.

“The United States plays a critical leadership role on Arctic issues within the international community and remains committed to ensuring a peaceful region where U.S. interests are safeguarded, the U.S. homeland is protected, and Arctic states work cooperatively to address shared challenges,” the State Department said in a statement.

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DeHart is 28-year foreign service officer and was most recently senior adviser for security negotiations and agreements. He had been leading discussions with South Korea over the continued presence of U.S. troops there. He has also served as the No. 2 diplomat in Norway, which has extensive Arctic interests.

DeHart’s appointment fills an empty slot in the department’s senior ranks, vacant for more than three years, that had been created during the Obama administration but remained vacant since President Trump took office and the previous coordinator, retired Coast Guard Adm. Robert Papp, stepped down.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.