Xinhua, Copenhagen, January 18: According to Danish media, eight European countries issued a joint statement on the same day, stating that the threat of imposing tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and could lead to a dangerous cycle. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom jointly signed this statement.
US President Trump announced additional tariffs on goods from the eight European countries, citing the refusal to "completely buy Greenland." This led to a joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, directly pointing out that this move would undermine transatlantic relations and potentially trigger a "dangerous cycle."
On January 17, 2026, Trump announced through social media:
Starting February 1, impose a 10% tariff on goods imported from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK;
Penalty escalation: Starting June 1, the rate will be raised to 25%, until the eight countries agree to the US's "comprehensive and thorough purchase of Greenland." Trump claimed that "Denmark has not repaid the US for centuries" and that "Greenland faces threats from China and Russia," and accused European countries of military exercises in Greenland "threatening global security." The reasons are extremely absurd!
Trump's punitive tariffs did not make them yield; the joint counterattack by the eight European countries, with the core position of the joint statement (released on January 18), stated that the tariff threat would undermine transatlantic relations, weaken US-EU mutual trust, and lead to a "dangerous cycle";
Sovereignty is inviolable, and the ownership of Greenland is decided solely by Denmark and the people of Greenland; the eight countries firmly support Denmark's sovereignty;
Military operations are legitimate: the "Arctic endurance" exercise in Greenland is a coordinated action among allies aimed at enhancing Arctic security, "not targeting any country."
Latest developments in the incident:
Germany urgently withdrew its troops, with 15 military personnel stationed in Greenland secretly evacuated within 44 hours of the tariff announcement, and all plans canceled;
Danish public backlash, the chairman of the defense committee said, "Every threat strengthens our resolve to defend Greenland";
Geopolitical tensions are rising, the US linked the strategic value of the Arctic with the "Golden Dome Defense System," revealing intentions to compete for control of the Arctic.
The confrontation continues, let's wait and see.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854694733386752/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.