NYT: US pushes veto power in Greenland to block Russian, Chinese investment

The United States is seeking sweeping authority to restrict and block Russian and Chinese investments in Greenland, according to officials familiar with confidential negotiations between Washington, Greenland, and Denmark, The New York Times learned.

The talks, which have been ongoing for four months in Washington, reportedly centre on establishing a strict investment screening system that would give the U.S. effective veto power over major infrastructure and resource projects in the Arctic territory.

Officials said the proposed framework is aimed at preventing strategic rivals such as Russia and China from gaining access to Greenland’s critical minerals, energy resources, and infrastructure sectors.

However, Greenlandic and Danish representatives have pushed back strongly, arguing that granting Washington decision-making authority over investment approvals would undermine Greenland’s sovereignty and exceed the limits of foreign involvement in domestic economic affairs.

The discussions also reflect broader Western concerns over growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where Greenland’s strategic location and untapped resources have attracted increasing international attention.

While Greenland is moving toward greater autonomy from Denmark, it currently lacks the intelligence capacity to fully assess the security risks of all foreign investors, prompting discussions about alternative screening arrangements that could include Danish oversight with U.S. input.

By Sabina Mammadli