China Warns U.S. Not to Use Other Nations as an Excuse in Greenland Push

Post by : Saif Nasser

China has strongly warned the United States against using other countries as a reason to push its own interests in Greenland, as tensions grow over the future of the Arctic island. The statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump once again said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland, saying it is needed to stop China or Russia from gaining influence there.

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China’s actions in the Arctic follow international law and are meant to support peace, stability, and long-term development. She said the U.S. should not use China or any other country as a “pretext” to justify its own goals.

Greenland is a self-governing territory that belongs to Denmark, a member of NATO. Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital for U.S. security because of its location in the Arctic. He has even suggested that the U.S. could use force if needed, though he has also said he would prefer to make a deal.

These remarks have caused serious concern in Denmark and Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. takeover of Greenland would threaten the unity of NATO. Leaders in Greenland have also spoken out strongly, saying their future must be decided by their own people. In a joint statement, Greenland’s prime minister and other political leaders said they want respect from the United States and an end to what they called contempt toward their country.

Trump repeated his stance over the weekend, saying the U.S. must “take Greenland” or risk losing it to other powers. His words have added to growing diplomatic tension between Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.

China, meanwhile, has been increasing its interest in the Arctic for several years. In 2018, Beijing described itself as a “near-Arctic state” and announced plans for a “Polar Silk Road” as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. This has raised concerns in the U.S. and Europe about China’s long-term goals in the region.

Responding to U.S. claims that Greenland must be taken to block China, Mao Ning said that all countries have the right to operate in the Arctic under international law. She stressed that the Arctic affects the whole world, not just one nation.

Danish and Greenlandic officials are expected to visit Washington this week to discuss the issue, and U.S. lawmakers are also planning trips to Denmark. As talks continue, the Greenland question has become a major test of diplomacy, international law, and respect for the choices of smaller nations.