Beijing urges US to drop ‘China threat’ pretext for Greenland

(MENAFN) China on Monday renewed its call for the United States to stop invoking the idea of a “China threat” as justification for seeking control over Greenland, according to official statements.

Addressing reporters in Beijing, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China has already clarified its stance on the Greenland issue on multiple occasions and stressed the importance of respecting international law.

“China has repeatedly elaborated its position on the Greenland issue on many occasions. International law, based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, is the foundation of the current international order and must be safeguarded,” the spokesperson said.

“We urge the US side to stop using the so-called ‘China threat’ as a pretext to pursue selfish gains,” he added.

The remarks came in response to questions about US President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington could impose an additional 10 percent tariff on countries that send troops to the Arctic region.

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long been of strategic interest to the United States due to its geographic position and significant mineral resources. US officials have also cited concerns about increased Russian and Chinese activity in the region, with Trump repeatedly stating his intention to acquire the island and declining to rule out the use of military force.

Both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any proposal to sell the territory, reiterating Denmark’s sovereignty over the island.

In a further escalation, Trump said on Saturday that the United States will impose 10 percent tariffs on goods from eight European countries—including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—starting February 1. The rate is set to rise to 25 percent in June in response to their opposition to US control of Greenland.

Following the announcement, the eight European nations issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning the US threat and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining security in the Arctic region.

MENAFN19012026000045017640ID1110618756