Russia and China have strongly criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed push to secure control of Greenland, calling his actions driven by selfish interests and warning they could have lasting historical and geopolitical consequences.
Russia’s Reaction
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The Kremlin said Trump’s pursuit of Greenland an autonomous Danish territory would ensure he “Goes down in world history” if the United States took control of the island, regardless of whether it is seen as good or legal.
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Russia has criticised Western claims that Moscow poses a threat to Greenland as Western double standards, saying such narratives are used to justify U.S. ambitions there.
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Russian commentators have also highlighted divisions among NATO allies and warned of strain on transatlantic relations due to Trump’s rhetoric.
China’s Response
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China’s foreign ministry dismissed U.S. claims of a China threat in the Arctic as a pretext for pursuing selfish gains, urging that international law and UN principles must be upheld. China said the U.S. should not use alleged threats from other countries to justify actions that serve its own interests.
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Beijing emphasised that activities in the Arctic by any nation should respect legal rights and freedoms and that making Greenland a strategic pawn undermines multilateral rules.
Context: Trump’s Push on Greenland
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Trump has argued that the United States must not allow Russia or China to gain influence over Greenland and has floated tariffs and pressure tactics on European allies to push the sale or transfer of the territory to the U.S.
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Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea that Greenland is for sale, insisting on self-determination, and European leaders have voiced strong opposition to the U.S. stance.
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The controversy has sparked protests in Greenland and Denmark under slogans resisting external control.
