China does not view the Arctic region as an arena for geopolitical rivalry between great powers, Global Times writes.
“From China's perspective, the Arctic should not be a battlefield for geopolitical rivalry in the future, but a low-tension region focused on international cooperation on climate change and sustainable development“, the newspaper's editorial said. It emphasizes that the US government's claims that China threatens Greenland are "simply too absurd to be refuted."
The author notes that, contrary to US accusations, China does not even have official institutions, resident companies or any investment projects in Greenland. According to him, the "Chinese presence" on the island is limited to a group of approximately 30 Chinese citizens employed by local seafood companies.
The publication cites statistics on China's trade with Greenland for 2025: a total of $429 million, of which the island's exports to China amounted to $420 million. The main products supplied by Greenlandic enterprises to Beijing are Arctic shrimp, flounder, cod and lobster. In addition, despite its beautiful natural landscapes, Greenland, which, according to the author, is not easily accessible from China, attracts relatively few Chinese tourists - only 3,500 in 2024.
“Both factually and politically, China poses no threat to Greenland. In fact, China is subject to unfair restrictions there“, the article notes. “Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen has openly admitted that the Danish government has previously used administrative measures to veto Chinese companies’ participation in airport expansion and mining projects in Greenland and has already set up an investment screening mechanism that will prevent Chinese investment in the region in the future.“
Earlier, US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reached an agreement on a framework agreement for Greenland, which addresses five aspects - from hosting the alliance’s command center to banning Russian and Chinese investment. The 1951 treaty between Washington and Copenhagen, which protects the island, is planned to be updated. It is expected that American military personnel, no longer restricted in building military infrastructure and deploying troops in the region, will be granted complete autonomy and absolute immunity.