Trump Tariffs: China Warns U.S. on Greenland as Supreme Court Ruling Nears

China warned the United States on Monday against invoking a “China threat” narrative to justify moves tied to Greenland, as Trump tariff threats fueled new geopolitical tension. Beijing said the matter should be handled under international law and the UN Charter.

China Rejects “China Threat” as Trump Tariffs Plan Targets Europe

China has repeatedly made its position on Greenland clear, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters. International law is the foundation of today’s world order, and it should be defended,” he said. Guo called for Washington to cease using the “so-called China threat” as an excuse to chase after “selfish interests.”

Guo’s remarks came in response to a question regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings over the Arctic. Trump has pointed to growing strategic competition in the far north. He has also said that Greenland’s position is crucial for U.S. security.

The comments came after Trump threatened new tariffs against some European countries. Trump announced that the U.S. would levy a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, beginning Feb. 1. The tariffs could increase to 25% in June if they do not reach a deal on Greenland. 

In a telephone interview with NBC News, the U.S. president declared that he will follow through with the tariffs when asked. “Yes, I will, 100%,” the president said.

Greenland Pushes Back Against Pressure From The U.S.

On Monday, Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also hit back. He said the pressure that Trump attempted to mount with tariff threats would never be effective on Greenland. Nielsen, who addressed protests in Nuuk and Denmark. He said that Greenland would maintain its line under international law.

In a Facebook post, Nielsen said the protests demonstrated that Greenland and Denmark would stand united. He welcomed the statement of support from European leaders, saying it showed recognition for Greenland’s right to decide its own destiny. Threats about tariffs will not make Greenland change its position, he added.

European leaders dismissed the U.S. proposal and said the tariff threats were unacceptable. They also voiced their support for Denmark, which handles Greenland’s foreign affairs, defense, and security policy. Europe is considering retaliatory tariffs and other sweeping economic actions, reports said.

The Greenland matter has even found its way into crypto prediction markets. Odds at Polymarket indicated roughly a 21% chance that the U.S. would get Greenland by Dec. 31. The odds increased from about 17% after the Trump tariff announcement.

The disagreement is playing out as the U.S. Supreme Court has a ruling pending linked to the Trump tariffs. The case questions the president’s power to impose tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The ruling could determine the boundaries of executive power in trade actions. Polymarket data shows a 30% chance that the Supreme Court rules in favor of these Trump tariffs.