China plays down role in Greenland issue while cautioning against reliance on the US

BEIJING, Jan 21 — China dismissed suggestions today that it is seeking to capitalise on tensions in the West as a US move to take control of Greenland threatens to alter long-standing transatlantic security arrangements.

US President Donald Trump’s push to claim sovereignty over Greenland from Denmark has unsettled Nato allies and triggered renewed debate in Europe over its reliance on the United States for security.

Responding to a question on whether Beijing welcomed the “chaos” surrounding Greenland, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular briefing: “We have no intention of competing with any country for influence, nor do we seek to do so.”

Trump has also warned of imposing trade tariffs on Europe should it oppose his bid for the Arctic island. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that such tariffs would only benefit China and Russia by fuelling divisions among Western allies.

Guo said China engages with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and equality, and remains committed to being “a positive, stabilising and constructive force”.

However, Chinese state media adopted a sharper tone this week, urging Europe to reconsider its heavy dependence on the United States for security.

In an editorial, the Communist Party-backed Global Times said Europe had become overly reliant on Washington while neglecting cooperation with partners such as China and Russia. A separate commentary in state-run China Daily echoed the view, saying the situation highlighted the need for Europe to reassess transatlantic ties and reduce its reliance on the US as the cornerstone of its security.

The Greenland dispute, it added, should serve as a wake-up call for Europe to strengthen strategic autonomy and diversify its partnerships so that its future is guided by shared interests rather than external pressure. — Reuters