The move by the government of Greenland to issue an emergency preparedness manual is causing a stir, urging the island’s residents to have essential supplies ready for a period of five days, while at the same time rejecting the Trump - Rutte framework agreement.
The manual recommends 3 liters of drinking water per person per day, food that can be preserved for five days, as well as hunting weapons, ammunition and fishing equipment, as part of the proposed stockpiles.
Peter Bogle, Minister of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture and Sustainability of Greenland, stated at a press conference that the purpose of the initiative is not to create insecurity, but to strengthen residents’ sense of safety.
As he emphasized, preparation does not mean concern, but foresight for possible emergency events.
Greenland, located in northeastern America, is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
However, its strategic position makes it a significant geopolitical factor, especially after the repeated statements by the President of the United States Donald Trump, who has threatened the annexation of the region, without categorically ruling out the use of military force, notes the authoritative Chinese website Sohu.
This intention has provoked a strong reaction from Denmark and other European countries, which strongly oppose any attempt at military intervention or purchase of Greenland.
Trump: We will gain military access to Greenland, without paying anything
Alongside the issuance of the emergency preparedness manual by Greenland, Trump’s statements add another dimension to the island’s intensely geopolitical significance.
In an interview with Fox Business, Trump stressed that the United States will not need to pay anything for Greenland, but will gain all the necessary military access to the island.
According to him, the deployment of components of the Golden Dome missile defense system in Greenland constitutes a strategically critical move for national and international security, while the cost is limited solely to the construction of this system.
At the same time, he emphasized that the USA does not need the assistance of NATO allies and that the reliability of European allies cannot be considered a given.
Greenland does not recognize the Trump - Rutte agreement
It is not an official agreement, the framework of understanding announced on Wednesday (21/1/2026) between the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt.
The main objection of the Greenlandic side is clear: neither the government of Greenland nor the government of Denmark participated in the negotiations.
As Motzfeldt stated to the Ritzau news agency, “no official agreement on Greenland can be considered complete without the participation of the government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut),” adding that despite the positive climate created in Davos “there are still serious reservations and much work ahead of us.”
The minister also clarified that the government of Greenland did not ask Rutte to negotiate on its behalf, although she acknowledged that the Secretary General of NATO conveyed to Trump the country’s positions and “red lines”.
Greenland strengthens its army - “Our national sovereignty is a red line”
Greenland declares itself ready to strengthen its military presence and cooperation with NATO in the Arctic, as announced by Prime Minister Jens-Frédéric Nielsen at a press conference in Nuuk.
As he emphasized, the government’s objective is to enhance security in the Arctic through “significant initiatives”, which include a more permanent NATO mission in Greenland, as well as an increase in military presence and training activities on the island.
The prime minister clarified that he does not know the details of the framework agreement reportedly formed between Trump and Mark Rutte.
However, he confirmed that a working group is now operating, which is processing solutions “acceptable to both sides”.
Asked about the possibility of granting small portions of Greenlandic territory to the United States, Nielsen appeared open to dialogue, but absolutely categorical: “Sovereignty is a red line. Our territorial integrity and our borders are not negotiable”.
Greenland and the international framework - China intervenes
China is closely monitoring developments in the Arctic, as the region constitutes a critical point for strategic and energy initiatives.
The issuance of the security manual in Greenland can be considered a sign of increasing sensitivity to geopolitical risks, while at the same time reinforcing the importance of the Arctic as a global field of power competition.
China’s role and the projection of the news in Chinese media show that major powers are closely monitoring not only the strategic plans of the USA and Denmark, but also the increased local autonomy and foresight of residents.
Greenland, with a small population but pivotal geopolitical position, thus becomes a symbol of necessary preparation amid international tensions.
Foresight as a means of security
Greenland’s manual reminds that contemporary geopolitical tensions require local readiness and self protection.
The fact that it includes both basic goods and survival tools, hunting and fishing, demonstrates a realistic approach to security: preparation for unpredictable situations is part of daily strategy, especially in regions of strategic importance.
This move should not be considered panic or excessive concern, but an intelligent and well considered response to an international environment in which the Arctic and its resources are becoming objects of competition among major powers.
Pivotal point
Greenland, with its emergency manual, demonstrates a combination of autonomy, foresight and sensitivity to international developments.
In a world where geopolitical challenges are increasing, the preparation of residents and the emphasis on security are not merely prudence, but a strategic necessity.
At the same time, the attention China gives to the region demonstrates that Greenland now constitutes a pivotal point of interest for international power balances, from North America to Asia.
China’s warning to the USA
China has warned the USA not to use the idea of a “Chinese threat” as a pretext for geopolitical plans or military ambitions in the region.
This underscores the position that China respects international law and promotes cooperation, not confrontation.
China, together with Russia, called on the USA not to exaggerate or fabricate threats regarding Chinese or Russian military presence around Greenland, rejecting claims that the two countries intend to seize the island.
This common line strengthens China’s diplomatic position that stability and the safeguarding of international law must be the basis of international relations in the Arctic.
The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, emphasized that Beijing is a “significant factor” in Arctic affairs and will continue to participate based on respect, cooperation, mutual benefit and sustainability in international relations and in the governance of the North Pole.
Specifically, the spokesperson emphasized that China supports peace, stability and sustainable development of the Arctic and wishes to cooperate with all interested parties in respect of the UN Charter and the institutions that exist in the region.
China supports Denmark in Greenland’s sovereignty
China has clearly stated at a diplomatic meeting that it fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark on the issue of Greenland, a clear support for Copenhagen’s position against pressure from third powers.
In response to calls from the USA, Chinese officials have urged the international community not to use other countries as a “pretext” to advance their own strategic interests, emphasizing that Chinese activities in the Arctic comply with international law and do not aim at destabilization.
Shaping the geopolitical dialogue on the Arctic
In conclusion, China states clearly that it does not seek a military presence or ownership claim.
It emphasizes international law and the principles of the UN as the basis for the settlement of international issues.
It supports the territorial sovereignty of Denmark and the autonomy of Greenland.
Beijing criticizes the use of the “Chinese threat” as a political tool by the USA.
These indicate that China seeks to shape the geopolitical dialogue on the Arctic in a way that emphasizes stability, cooperation and respect for international law, rather than military confrontation or a clash of interests.
Field of strategic competition
Combining his statements with Greenland’s preparedness manual and monitoring by China, it becomes clear that the island has become a field of strategic competition, where local foresight, international diplomacy and military ambitions converge in an intense manner.
China, as it has repeatedly stated, is monitoring developments, emphasizing the need for stability, respect for international law and the avoidance of unilateral military actions in the Arctic.
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