Beijing has issued a sharp diplomatic rebuke to Washington, urging the United States not to use other nations as a pretext for its own interests in Greenland. The statement comes amid escalating tensions over U.S. ambitions for the vast Arctic territory.
China Defends Its Arctic Ambitions
On Monday, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, addressed the growing controversy. Responding to questions at a regular briefing in Beijing, she asserted that China's activities in the Arctic are conducted in full compliance with international law. Her comments were a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that America must "take Greenland" to prevent Russia or China from doing so.
"China's activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region," Mao stated. She emphasized that the rights of all countries to operate lawfully in the Arctic should be respected and that the U.S. should not pursue its own interests by using other countries as a pretext.
Mounting Tensions Over Greenland's Future
The diplomatic row intensified this month as the Trump administration publicly pushed the idea of acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of Denmark. President Trump reiterated his stance aboard Air Force One on Sunday, stating he would prefer to "make a deal" for the territory but that "one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland."
This rhetoric has triggered strong reactions from both Denmark and Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that an American takeover could spell the end of the NATO alliance. In a powerful show of unity, Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and all four other party leaders in the territory's parliament issued a joint statement. They firmly declared that Greenland's future must be decided by its own people and expressed their "wish that the United States' contempt for our country ends."
The Broader Arctic Chessboard
The dispute over Greenland is set against a backdrop of increasing global competition for influence in the resource-rich and strategically vital Arctic. In 2018, China declared itself a "near-Arctic state" and has since outlined plans for a "Polar Silk Road" as part of its expansive Belt and Road Initiative. This move aims to establish significant economic and logistical links across the polar region.
With the White House reportedly considering a range of options regarding Greenland, including military force, the situation remains volatile. Diplomatic channels are set to be active this week, with Danish and Greenlandic envoys expected in Washington for talks. Plans are also being made for U.S. senators to visit Denmark, indicating the high-level concern this issue has generated within the transatlantic alliance.
