China said on Monday that the United States should not use other countries as a pretext to pursue its interests in Greenland, responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump about acquiring the Arctic territory.
Trump has said he wants to make a deal to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous region of NATO ally Denmark, arguing that the move is necessary to prevent Russia or China from taking control of the island.
Tensions have increased this month between Washington, Denmark, and Greenland as the Trump administration pushes the issue and considers a range of options, including the possible use of military force.
Asked in Beijing about US statements linking Greenland to concerns over China and Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China’s activities in the Arctic comply with international law and are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. She added that the rights of all countries to conduct activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law should be respected and said the United States should not pursue its own interests by using other countries as a pretext.
Trump reiterated his position on Sunday aboard Air Force One, saying the US needs to take Greenland and that while he would prefer to make a deal, the territory would be acquired one way or another.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a US takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO. Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen and leaders of other parties have also said the island’s future must be decided by its people.
Danish and Greenlandic envoys are expected in Washington this week for talks.