Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed growing tensions in Arctic affairs during a January 2026 press briefing, urging Washington to abandon what he called "baseless 'China threat' rhetoric" in discussions about Greenland. The remarks come amid renewed U.S. tariff threats under President Donald Trump targeting Greenlandic mineral exports, which some analysts suggest could impact Chinese clean energy investments in the region.
"China consistently advocates for international cooperation based on mutual respect," Guo stated, emphasizing Beijing's position that Arctic development should "serve shared interests rather than zero-sum geopolitics."
While not directly confirming specific Chinese projects, the spokesperson reiterated China's commitment to lawful economic activities worldwide. The exchange highlights ongoing strategic competition in the Arctic, where melting ice caps are opening new shipping routes and resource access.
Business analysts note Greenland's significance for rare earth minerals critical to renewable energy technologies. With global demand projected to grow 300% by 2040 according to International Energy Agency estimates, stable Arctic partnerships remain crucial for green technology supply chains.
