China Criticizes U.S. Interests in Greenland

On Monday, China expressed disapproval of the United States using Greenland or any other nation as justification to advance its own interests.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly shown interest in acquiring Greenland, suggesting that it could prevent a takeover by Russia or China. This proposal has led to heightened tensions between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland amid military considerations.

The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, has cautioned against any U.S. attempts to claim Greenland, emphasizing that the decision about Greenland's future should rest with its people, echoed by the territory’s leaders who voiced their opposition to American interference.

President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, reiterated his viewpoint, indicating a strong interest in striking a deal over Greenland to prevent other powers like Russia or China from gaining control.

In 2018, China proclaimed its status as a 'near-Arctic state' to expand its influence. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative, China has proposed constructing a 'Polar Silk Road' involving several nations.

Responding to questions about the U.S. perspective that acquiring Greenland is vital to keeping China and Russia at bay, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, emphasized that China's actions in the Arctic aim to foster peace and align with international legal standards, although details were sparse.

Highlighting Arctic openness, Ning remarked that each nation's lawful rights within the Arctic must be acknowledged, while criticizing the U.S. for exploiting other countries as a smokescreen for its agendas.