China has issued a sharp diplomatic warning to the United States, advising it against using other countries as a "pretext" to pursue its strategic interests in Greenland. The statement came on Monday from Beijing, amid escalating tensions over the future of the vast Arctic island.
China's Firm Stance on Arctic Ambitions
Responding to recent U.S. assertions about the necessity to control Greenland to prevent Chinese or Russian dominance, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning clarified Beijing's position. Mao Ning stated that China's activities in the Arctic are strictly for promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development, and are conducted in full compliance with international law.
"The rights and freedoms of all countries to conduct activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law should be fully respected," she said, without directly naming Greenland. She emphasized that the United States should not pursue its own interests by using other countries as a pretext, adding that the Arctic concerns the overall interests of the international community.
The US Push and Regional Backlash
The Chinese remarks follow renewed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reiterated his desire to "take Greenland" during a conversation aboard Air Force One on Sunday. He argued the move was necessary to prevent Russia or China from taking control, preferring to "make a deal" for the semi-autonomous Danish territory but asserting "one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland."
This stance has triggered significant diplomatic friction. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that an American takeover could mean the end of NATO. In a powerful rebuke, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and all other party leaders in the local parliament issued a joint statement last Friday. They firmly reiterated 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 Geopolitical Chessboard
The dispute highlights the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region. In 2018, China declared itself a "near-Arctic state" as part of its efforts to expand influence in the resource-rich area. Beijing's ambitious plans include constructing a "Polar Silk Road" as a component of its global Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to create new shipping lanes and economic partnerships.
As the situation develops, diplomatic channels are active. Danish and Greenlandic envoys are scheduled for talks in Washington this week. Furthermore, plans are being formulated for a visit by U.S. senators to Denmark, indicating the high-level attention this issue commands on the global stage.
