China urges US to stop using 'China threat' pretext to pursue Greenland takeover

China has renewed its call for the United States to abandon using the "China threat" narrative to justify its ambition to acquire Greenland, emphasizing the need to respect international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated on Monday that “international law, based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, is the foundation of the current international order and must be safeguarded,” urging the US to “stop using the so-called ‘China threat’ as a pretext to pursue selfish gains.”

Response to US Tariff Threats and Arctic Troop Deployments

The statement came in response to questions regarding US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of tariffs on eight European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland—which he linked to their opposition to US control of Greenland. The European countries issued a joint statement on Sunday rejecting the tariff threats and reaffirming their commitment to Arctic security. Trump has repeatedly framed Greenland’s acquisition as a national security imperative, citing concerns about Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.

Rejection of Sovereignty Violations

Both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any proposal to transfer sovereignty over the autonomous territory. China’s remarks align with broader international unease over unilateral attempts to alter territorial arrangements under the guise of great-power competition. Beijing’s position also reflects its interest in being seen as a defender of the rules-based international order, particularly when challenging US actions that it views as destabilizing or coercive.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The exchange underscores how Greenland has become a focal point in US-China strategic rivalry, with Washington using perceived Chinese and Russian influence to justify expanded regional ambitions. China’s response signals its intent to diplomatically counter US narratives that frame Beijing as an Arctic aggressor, while also supporting European allies resisting US economic pressure over the territory. The situation highlights the growing intersection of trade policy, territorial sovereignty, and polar geopolitics in contemporary great-power relations.