China, Russia 'must be having a field day,' says EU's foreign policy chief after Trump's tariff threat

​​​​​​​By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The EU foreign policy chief criticized US President Donald Trump's plan Saturday to impose tariffs on eight countries over Greenland, saying Russia and China “are the ones who benefit" from divisions among allies.”

"China and Russia must be having a field day," Kaja Kallas wrote on US social media company X.

Noting that if Greenland’s security is at risk, allies can address it inside NATO, she said tariffs risk making Europe and the US poorer and "undermine our shared prosperity."

"We also cannot let our dispute distract us from the (sic) our core task of helping to end Russia’s war against Ukraine," added Kallas.

European Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and "risk a dangerous downward spiral."

The reactions came after Trump said Washington would impose new tariffs on goods from eight European countries starting Feb. 1, with rates rising sharply in June, citing "national security" concerns linked to Greenland.

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted US interest due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources, as well as alleged concerns about rising Russian and Chinese activity.

Trump has repeatedly said that the US must acquire Greenland for national security and to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the territory.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.