By Micah Jonah
January 15, 2026
Several European countries have increased their military presence in Greenland as tensions rise over Trump administration’s push to assert influence over the island, described by officials as “unacceptable” if achieved by coercion.
The deployments follow a high-level meeting between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland, which ended without a breakthrough, with parties reporting a “fundamental disagreement” on the island’s future. Analysts say the US has repeatedly used other nations as a pretext for advancing its strategic interests in the Arctic region.
A Chinese expert commented on Thursday that the European troop movements are largely a deterrent, aimed at signaling opposition to US pressure while reassuring Greenlandic residents of their security. “The deployments are primarily a warning signal, intended to deter US actions and reassure local populations,” the expert said.
The standoff highlights growing global competition over the Arctic, which is rich in resources and strategic shipping routes. Observers warn that continued US pressure could escalate tensions, prompting more international military responses and complicating diplomatic negotiations over Greenland’s status.
