Recent developments have merely served to underline why the US-China trade war commands such attention. This is a trade war with global ramifications, but it is also just the tip of the iceberg in a global tussle for economic and political influence between China and the United States. It shouldn’t be viewed in isolation.
Last week’s decision by US President Donald Trump to put off a trip to Denmark is a case in point. On the surface, Trump’s decision, after Copenhagen had declined to discuss a US proposal to purchase Greenland, has nothing to do with China. But, at least in part, it was a desire to secure Greenland’s natural resources that drove the US offer, resources in which Beijing also has an active interest.As Washington will be fully aware, China has been forging a closer economic relationship with Greenland.
Last week’s decision by US President Donald Trump to put off a trip to Denmark is a case in point. On the surface, Trump’s decision, after Copenhagen had declined to discuss a US proposal to purchase Greenland, has nothing to do with China. But, at least in part, it was a desire to secure Greenland’s natural resources that drove the US offer, resources in which Beijing also has an active interest.As Washington will be fully aware, China has been forging a closer economic relationship with Greenland.
