Naaja Nathanielsen: “If the US and EU don’t step up, we’ll have to look elsewhere”

By Nuray Mustafa
May 27, 2025 11:08 Updated 23d ago
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Reuters

Greenland warns it may turn to China if the US and Europe don’t invest soon, as global powers compete for Arctic dominance.

Greenland’s Minister for Business and Mineral Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, has called on the West to act swiftly on investment opportunities, particularly in the mining sector. In an interview with the Financial Times, she warned that if the US and Europe fail to engage, Greenland will be forced to seek support from alternative partners, including China.

“We want to develop and diversify our business sector, and that requires foreign investment,” she said.

Nathanielsen emphasized that Greenland prefers to work with American and European partners. However, if they do not show up, she said the country will have no choice but to look elsewhere — a move that could intensify geopolitical competition in the Arctic.

Trump’s Pressure Sparks Backlash

U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly voiced interest in acquiring Greenland, once saying, “We’re going to get it one way or the other.” Nathanielsen harshly criticized this rhetoric:

“We have no desire to become part of America. Trump's threats to take control of Greenland were disrespectful and unwelcome,” she said.

According to Nathanielsen, Trump’s stance sparked growing resentment among Greenland’s 57,000 citizens.

China’s Role Still Limited

Despite geopolitical tensions, China’s current presence in Greenland remains minimal. Nathanielsen noted that only two Chinese mining companies are involved in dormant projects and hold minority stakes.

She suggested that Chinese investors might be staying cautious “so as not to provoke anything.”

These remarks came as Greenland issued its first mining license under a new legal framework. The license was granted to a Danish-French consortium for the extraction of anorthosite — a mineral used in the fiberglass industry. Construction of the €150 million project in Western Greenland is expected to begin next year, with investment from Greenland’s national pension fund, Denmark’s Arbejdernes Landsbank, and France’s Jean Boulle Mining Group.

Beijing Backs Danish Sovereignty Amid US Pressure

In response to renewed US interest in Greenland, China has openly expressed its support for Denmark’s sovereignty over the autonomous territory.

During a meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Danish counterpart Lars Løkke Rasmussen that China “fully respects Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the issue of Greenland,” according to the state-run Global Times.

The diplomatic exchange comes as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. Wang emphasized that China is ready to deepen cooperation with Denmark, based on openness and green development, and called for stronger political trust between the two nations.

A New Geopolitical Reality in the Arctic

Greenland is not only rich in untapped natural resources like gold and copper — it also holds strategic importance in the Arctic. As global powers, including the US, China, and the EU, compete for influence, Greenland is navigating a complex diplomatic and economic landscape.

Nathanielsen stated that the new four-party coalition government in Nuuk is committed to prioritizing development “for Greenland and Greenlanders first” and prefers to work with allies and “like-minded partners.”

“We’re trying to understand what the new world order looks like. From that perspective, yes — Chinese investments can be problematic. But to some extent, so can American ones,” she noted. “Because the question remains: What is the purpose behind [America’s] investments?”

She added that the EU is a “good partner” for Greenland, given its lack of critical minerals and shared environmental standards.

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