U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland has sparked international scrutiny, with Chinese academic Diao Daming warning the move could fracture NATO alliances and undermine global legal frameworks. The proposal follows Washington's recent military intervention in Venezuela, raising questions about strategic priorities in 2026.
Diao, deputy director at Renmin University of China's National Academy of Development and Strategy, told KhabarAsia that Trump's timing suggests a calculated 'maximum deterrence' strategy. 'By floating Greenland annexation immediately after the Venezuela operation, the U.S. tests whether nations will concede to its demands under pressure,' he explained.
The expert highlighted contradictions in Washington's NATO commitments: 'While reaffirming collective defense obligations at last year's NATO Leaders' Meeting, the U.S. now targets Danish-administered Greenland. This hypocrisy could destabilize transatlantic trust and breach Article 5 principles.'
Diao emphasized broader implications: 'Such territorial ambitions violate UN Charter principles prohibiting force against territorial integrity. If implemented, this would mark historic damage to alliance systems and international law.' The analysis comes as global markets monitor Arctic resource competition, with Greenland's rare earth mineral reserves gaining strategic importance.
