China and Canada Affirm Greenland's Sovereignty Amidst Renewed U.S. Acquisition Efforts

Diplomatic Alignment on Greenland's Status

China's Ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, recently affirmed a shared perspective with Canada on the critical importance of upholding Greenland's territorial integrity. Speaking this week, Ambassador Wang stated that China's consistent policy is 'to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. That goes to Greenland, that goes to Canada, and that goes through all the other countries.' This diplomatic alignment emerges amidst heightened international discussion surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's persistent interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.

Trump's Renewed Push for Acquisition

President Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland, first voiced during his initial term in 2019, has seen a significant resurgence following his re-election in late 2024. In 2019, Denmark had dismissed the idea as 'absurd.' However, Trump has since intensified his efforts, reportedly threatening tariffs on Denmark and not ruling out the use of military force should the acquisition be blocked. In December 2025, he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, with Landry publicly expressing his intent to work towards making Greenland part of the U.S. President Trump has publicly declared Greenland as 'imperative for National and World Security' and asserted that the U.S. 'has to have it.'

Canada's Firm Stance and International Reactions

In response to these developments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reiterated Canada's unwavering support for Greenland's and Denmark's sovereignty. Carney emphasized that Greenland's future should be determined solely by its people and Denmark. He also noted 'much alignment' between his views and those of Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Arctic sovereignty for Canada and Greenland. The international community has largely echoed this sentiment, with leaders from five larger EU states, along with Denmark and the UK, issuing a joint statement on January 6, 2026, underscoring the principles of 'sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.' Denmark has also indicated its readiness to invoke Article 5 of NATO if its territory were to be attacked.

China's Arctic Interests

While China positions itself as a 'near-Arctic state,' aiming to contribute to the region's development and stability, its direct attempts to establish significant infrastructure and mining footholds in Greenland have faced considerable resistance from both the U.S. and Denmark. Ambassador Wang Di highlighted China's commitment to international law, stating, 'It is not acceptable to selectively apply the international law, the United Nations system, or the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.' This statement underscores China's broader diplomatic strategy in the Arctic, emphasizing adherence to international norms amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.