The European Parliament's main political groups announced on Tuesday that they would hold off on ratifying the trade agreement reached between the European Union and the U.S. because of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland.
Under the agreement reached last July between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the U.S. would impose a baseline tariff of 15 percent on EU goods. The agreement gives Washington zero-tariff access to the EU for a range of strategic American exports.
Trump said on Saturday that, starting on Feb 1, the U.S. will impose 10-percent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland because of their opposition to his plan to “take control” of Greenland.
Those tariffs would increase to 25 percent on June 1, and would continue until a deal is reached for the U.S. to purchase Greenland, he said on social media.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland.
European parliament freezes approval of US trade deal following Trump's tariff threats
China's development is an opportunity, not a threat, and China is willing to leverage its market advantages and share its opportunities with other countries, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
China adheres to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and resolving issues through consultation to create win-win and multi-win outcomes, he added during his special address at the forum.
"China's development presents an opportunity, not a threat, to the world's economy. When it comes to differences and misunderstandings in international economic and trade cooperation, China calls for equal consultation to enhance mutual trust, bridge differences and solve problems," said He.
The vice premier highlighted that China will continue to expand its opening-up.
"China will open its door still wider to the world. China will actively expand voluntary opening-up, and proactively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules. China will continue to foster a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, provide equal treatment for both domestic and foreign enterprises. We welcome foreign enterprises to continue to invest in China and share in China's opportunities. We hope governments of other countries can provide a fair, non-discriminatory, transparent and predictable investment environment for Chinese enterprises," he said.
Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue", the 2026 WEF meeting opened on Monday in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts from around the world are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.
China willing to leverage its market advantages, share opportunities with world: vice premier
