U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton told 240 new Coast Guard Academy graduates Wednesday that they will help lead the way in “reasserting American leadership in the Arctic.”

Axar.az reports citing The Diplomat

“You will help the United States challenge growing Russian military influence in the Arctic, and push back against China’s illegitimate claim to ‘near-Arctic’ status, as well as its use of debt diplomacy against Arctic nations,” he said as he delivered the keynote speech at the 138th commencement of the academy in New London, Connecticut.

“And you will provide the search and rescue and disaster response capabilities needed to facilitate greater commerce and scientific research across the High North,” he said.