Trump insists the U.S. must take control of Greenland to prevent Russia or China from doing the same — an argument Beijing dismissed Monday as "an excuse" to pursue territorial ambitions.

China has issued a sharp warning to U.S. President Donald Trump over comments and signals related to Greenland, cautioning against actions that could undermine sovereignty, regional stability, and the existing international order.

President Donald Trump is not the first U.S. government official interested in Greenland. The first major attempt to control the island was in 1868.

Trump allies have cited the island's continued role in missile defense infrastructure, accusing Denmark of leaving it vulnerable to potential Russian and Chinese influence.

Britain is discussing with NATO allies how to enhance Arctic security against Russia and China. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Sunday that these talks are routine and not a response to U.S.

President Donald Trump continued his threats towards Greenland on Friday, as he insisted that if the United States did not act Russia or China would occupy it in the future.

US President Donald Trump has stepped up his designs on taking over Denmark's autonomous territory Greenland, but questions abound about why he has taken an aggressive stance when the US already has extensive access to the Arctic island.

Nordic diplomats rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

China has criticised the United States over Greenland, warning Washington not to use other countries as a “pretext” and signalling concern that US moves could threaten its Arctic “Polar Silk Road” ambitions.