On January 20, on the Veza Analytical Center's broadcast, host Valeriy Klochuk and Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine president Artur Kharetonov discussed new challenges in global politics. The focus was on the changing relationships between the US, China, and Europe in the Arctic, Greenland, Trump’s security initiatives, and the underestimation of these developments in Ukraine’s media space.
Currently, China has activated its dialogue with Europe, eased tariffs for specific sectors, and shown diplomatic activity behind the scenes of major events. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is building a Peace Council excluding China but inviting countries such as Russia, Belarus, and others. Trump’s possible visit to Beijing is being prepared, and the US-Japan-led global anti-China course might be established for years to come.
Greenland is gaining special geopolitical importance as it becomes a key control point for Arctic logistics routes and resources—including significant deposits of water, metals, and energy. The Arctic is changing rapidly: China and Russia are developing icebreaker fleets and infrastructure, raising new challenges for the US and the West.
European countries do not yet show a common strategy for Arctic security and often underestimate the risks linked to Chinese and Russian activity. This complicates the policy alignment with the US, where Arctic strategic importance is clearly recognized for the future of the democratic world.
Another key issue is the decolonization of strategic islands. Trump criticized London's decision to transfer Diego Garcia to Mauritius, given the critical US and UK military base there. Meanwhile, China is increasing its influence in the Maldives and Africa, changing the power balance in the Indian Ocean and worldwide.
Experts stress that security scenarios involving control of the Arctic, island decolonization, and the evolving cooperation between the US, Europe, and Japan, will shape the political landscape of coming decades. Ukrainian analysts should also consider these processes in shaping foreign and security policy.
