Greenland Crisis: Is Donald Trump's MAGA Agenda Driving US Ally Canada Into Chinese Camp?

New Delhi: Amidst US President Donald Trump's threats, not only European countries but now even America's neighbour, Canada, has started to push back. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a press conference while on a visit to China, made it clear that Ottawa does not support Trump's Greenland plan under any circumstances. He also stated that Canada and China have discussed the future of Greenland, and that both countries share similar views on the matter.

What did the Canadian PM say in China?

Speaking at a press conference after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Mark Carney declared his full support for his NATO ally, Denmark. He emphasized that NATO's principle of collective defense is inviolable. 

"We are partners with Denmark in NATO. Our full partnership remains. Our obligations under Article 5 and Article 2 remain, and we fully support them," he said.

What is Canada’s stand on Greenland?

Mark Carney also revealed that he had discussed the future of Greenland with Chinese President Xi Jinping and said that their views on the issue of sovereignty were largely similar. 

“I spoke with President Xi Jinping about the situation in Greenland and the sovereignty of the people of Denmark. Canada and China's views on this matter are largely the same,” he said. 

Reaffirming Canada's position, Trudeau said that Greenland, the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, should have the right to decide its own future without external pressure.

Why is Canada PM Mark Carney’s statement significant?

It is worth noting that the Canadian Prime Minister's statement comes at a time when President Trump had openly threatened other countries, saying that he could impose tariffs on any country that opposes or does not support his Greenland deal.

In fact, Trump has repeatedly advocated bringing Greenland under American control, citing national security concerns. He has also kept open the option of using military force in this matter. With Russia's invasion of Ukraine and now the US eyeing Danish territory, European countries appear to be caught in the middle.

What id the US position on Greenland?

Besides Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also openly stated that the US wants to buy Greenland. However, this proposal was outright rejected by both the Greenlandic and Danish administrations. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US acquisition would lead to the end of NATO.

Trump also claimed that without US control, Greenland could fall under the influence of Russia or China, a claim dismissed as baseless by Arctic experts. Although China calls itself a "near-Arctic state," analysts say Beijing's growing presence in the region includes joint military exercises with Russia near Canada and around Alaska.

Why are European countries concerned over Greenland?

European countries, which have been closely aligned with the US since World War II, have now begun exploring the option of direct dialogue with Russia. Before Canada, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also indicated their willingness to consider proposals for talks with Russia.

What is the dispute between Canada and Donald Trump?

The US and Canada share close ties. However, during Trump's second term, he made several statements that caused discomfort for the Canadian leadership. Trump repeatedly referred to the former Canadian Prime Minister as a "governor," implying that he wanted to incorporate Canada as the 51st state of the US.