China builds icebreaking navy: expert Lakiychuk on Arctic struggle

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

Lakiychuk remarked, "For a long time, the size of the Arctic sector did not determine a state's role in the struggle for the Arctic. Unlike all other Arctic nations, China has developed a military icebreaker fleet over the past 10 years, which now includes nearly half a dozen non-civilian icebreakers. These vessels are part of the People's Liberation Army of China and have a clear objective: to dominate the Arctic."

According to the expert, although China is not an Arctic state, it will pursue a different approach, aiming to secure freedom of navigation for its fleet in the Arctic region.

Lakiychuk added, "By the way, Russia and China are the primary competitors for the United States. When China's interests are at stake, it adopts a tough stance, much like Trump's policy. This will be the first act in the Arctic drama."

Trump's statements on Greenland: background

On December 23, 2024, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he wanted Greenland to be under U.S. control.

The next day, the Danish government announced an increase in spending on Greenland's defense.

On January 8, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that Greenland could become independent if its people wanted it, but it would not be part of the United States.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede said that the island wants to be independent, not American or Danish.

On January 11, the Danish government sent private messages to the team of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, expressing its readiness to discuss strengthening security or increasing the U.S. military presence in Greenland.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that his country recognizes that the United States has security interests in the Arctic and is ready to discuss this with the administration of the future President Donald Trump.