China on Monday said the United States should not use other countries as a “pretext” to advance its own interests in Greenland, stressing that Beijing’s activities in the Arctic are in line with international law.
The statement comes amid renewed controversy after US President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. Trump has argued that US control of Greenland is necessary to prevent Russia or China from expanding their influence over the strategically located Arctic island. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk spar over the issue, with the White House reportedly considering a range of options, including military measures. Trump has said he would prefer to “make a deal” for Greenland, but added, “one way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”
China, which in 2018 declared itself a “near-Arctic state” to expand its role in the region, has also promoted the idea of a “Polar Silk Road” under its Belt and Road Initiative to strengthen economic ties and access to Arctic routes.
Responding to US claims that control over Greenland is necessary to counter China and Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing that “China’s activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and are in accordance with international law.” She did not provide further details on those activities.
“The rights and freedoms of all countries to conduct activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law should be fully respected,” Mao said. “The US should not pursue its own interests by using other countries as a pretext.” She added that “the Arctic concerns the overall interests of the international community.”
Meanwhile, Danish and Greenlandic envoys are expected to visit Washington this week for talks, while plans are also underway for a delegation of US senators to travel to Denmark.
