Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat Met with Chinese Backlash: "Don't Use Us as a Pretext"

The geopolitical frost is thickening. President Donald Trump's administration has sparked a fresh international row by threatening tariffs on European nations that oppose his ambitions to control Greenland. On January 19, 2026, Beijing fired back, warning Washington not to use China as a scapegoat for its expansionist goals.

Trump’s Greenland Ambitions Spark New Tariff Threats Against Europe

Trump isn't backing down from his goal to secure Greenland. As Denmark and other European allies voice their dissent, the White House has pivoted to its favorite leverage: economic sanctions. According to Nikkei Asia, the U.S. argues that a lack of American control over the territory opens the door for Chinese influence in the Arctic—a claim that European leaders find increasingly dubious.

Beijing’s Response: Rejecting the 'China Pretext'

During a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the U.S. shouldn't use China as a pretext for seeking "selfish gains." Beijing’s stance is clear: they view Trump’s rhetoric as a tool to justify unilateral actions that undermine global stability. This comes at a sensitive time, as Canada recently signaled a thaw in relations by opening its market to Chinese EVs, further complicating the Trump administration's regional strategy.