China has warned the United States not to use other countries as a “pretext” to advance their interests in Greenland, emphasizing that its activities in the Arctic fully comply with international law and aim for peace and stability.
The statement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, following renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump to acquire Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally.
Trump’s statements and escalating tensions
Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States must “take Greenland” to prevent the region from being controlled by Russia or China. He said he would prefer “to make a deal,” but insisted that “one way or another, we will have Greenland.”
These statements have intensified friction between Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk, as the White House considers even scenarios involving military force. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a potential American takeover of Greenland would mean the end of NATO.
China’s position on the Arctic
Responding to American claims that Greenland must be “seized” to prevent Chinese or Russian control, Mao Ning stated that Beijing’s activities in the Arctic are “in accordance with international law” and focus on “peace, stability, and sustainable development.”
“The rights and freedoms of all countries to operate in the Arctic according to law should be fully respected,” she said, adding that “the US should not pursue its own interests by using other countries as a pretext.” She noted that “the Arctic concerns the overall interests of the international community.”
China, which has characterized itself as a “near-Arctic state” since 2018, seeks to strengthen its presence in the region through the Belt and Road Initiative and plans for a “Polar Silk Road.”
Meanwhile, Danish and Greenlandic officials are preparing for talks in Washington within the week, while American senators plan a visit to Denmark, amid growing tensions surrounding US strategy in the Arctic.
