The boundaries of the Russian sector of the Arctic can be revised only in terms of broadening them, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, answering a question on the possibility of Russia, the United States and Canada handing over part of their Arctic territories to China, TASS reported.

"If the US and Canada wish to hand over their parts of the Arctic to anyone — well, they are all adults. But our Arctic zone is our Arctic zone, and its borders are currently being revised as regards its expansion," Mr. Lavrov said during a lecture on the situation in the world at the Terra Scientia Youth Educational Forum on Klyazma River.

"China is an observer in the Arctic Council and is interested in cooperation and participation in practical projects undertaken by the Arctic Council member states," he added.

Mr. Lavrov reminded his audience that Russia had formalized its ultimate claim to part of the Arctic continental shelf. "It has already been submitted to the relevant UN commission and will be examined over the next year or six months," the minister said.

In February 2016, Russia submitted to the UN its revised application to extend its Arctic continental shelf limits by 1.2 million sq km. The bid may take the UN three to five years to consider.