By Morlai Ibrahim Kamara
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reaffirmed China’s respect for Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity regarding Greenland during a meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Beijing on Monday. He also called on Denmark to show the same respect towards China’s sovereignty concerns.
According to reuters, the meeting came in the wake of controversy stirred by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous remarks suggesting the United States should acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. It also followed criticism from Beijing over Denmark’s recent hosting of former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who spoke at a democracy summit and met with Danish lawmakers.
Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory, while Taiwan continues to reject China’s sovereignty claims. The issue has long been a point of friction in China’s relations with Western countries. Denmark’s informal relations with Taiwan have occasionally strained its ties with China, most notably in 2009 when the Dalai Lama visited Copenhagen.
However, diplomatic relations have improved in recent years, especially after Denmark received two pandas from China as part of its “panda diplomacy.” The two nations have since strengthened cooperation, particularly in green energy and environmental solutions, with Denmark’s wind power expertise complementing China’s ambitions in green development.
Wang Yi emphasized China’s willingness to deepen economic, scientific, and green energy cooperation with Denmark. He also noted that both countries share common ground in supporting multilateralism and defending free trade, and expressed China’s desire to enhance dialogue and collaboration with the European Union.
