Beijing has strongly rejected what it described as attempts to use China as a pretext for advancing US interests in the Arctic and Greenland. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the Arctic should be treated as a matter of shared international interest and that China’s activities in the region are fully in line with international law.
“The Arctic bears on the common interests of the international community. China’s activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting the peace, stability and sustainable development of the region. They are in line with the international law,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry.
Earlier, Beijing dismissed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who argued that a US takeover of Greenland would be necessary to prevent China and Russia from expanding their influence in the Arctic. Chinese authorities said the region should not be viewed through the lens of geopolitical rivalry.
Europe distances itself from US plans for Greenland
The issue of Greenland and Arctic security was also addressed by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Speaking after a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Wadephul said that regional security could only be strengthened through joint and cooperative action.
He added that decisions on the future of Greenland – an autonomous territory of Denmark – should rest with its inhabitants and the authorities in Copenhagen, implicitly criticising Trump’s declared intention to take over the island.
Beijing responded to those remarks. Asked to comment on the German foreign minister’s statements, China’s foreign ministry rejected suggestions that China’s presence in the Arctic poses a security threat.
“We oppose the US using China or Russia as a pretext for seeking selfish gains,” Ning said.