While mainstream media fixates on U.S. President Donald Trump’s bold bids for Greenland, they conveniently gloss over China’s stealthy encroachment on this strategic Arctic island. Greenland, rich in rare earth minerals essential for tech and defense, has become a prime target for Beijing’s Polar Silk Road initiative, aiming to dominate Arctic shipping routes and resources. Yet, the EU and global watchdogs remain eerily silent, failing to sound alarms as China circles closer.
Chinese state-linked firms like Shenghe Resources hold significant stakes in Greenland’s Kvanefjeld mine, one of the world’s largest untapped rare earth deposits. Over the past decade, Beijing has attempted investments in airports, a naval base, and satellite stations—moves thwarted by U.S. and Danish intervention due to security risks. Despite these blocks, China’s “near-Arctic state” doctrine persists, with ongoing scientific expeditions and mineral partnerships that could grant Beijing leverage over global supply chains, where it already controls 70-90% of rare earth processing.
The EU, preoccupied with Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland acquisition, has barely addressed China’s advances. Leaders like EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas mention China only in passing, noting divisions benefit Beijing, but no unified pushback emerges. Denmark claims to have kept China out, yet archived deals and MoUs reveal persistent sniffing around mining and infrastructure. Critics argue this inaction stems from economic ties to China, prioritizing trade over security.
As ice melts, opening new routes, China’s Arctic foothold threatens Western dominance. MSM’s omission fuels complacency—time for real scrutiny before Beijing’s influence freezes out competitors. – WAA
References:
- https://www.csis.org/analysis/greenland-rare-earths-and-arctic-security
- https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/08/us-trump-china-greenland-denmark-arctic-tensions-trump-rare-earth-elements-minerals-mining.html
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/7/do-russia-and-china-pose-a-national-security-threat-to-the-us-in-greenland
