Trump makes fresh Greenland play after Xi talks as China's Arctic ambitions loom

"Special Envoy Landry is in Greenland to attend the Future Greenland Conference as part of an effort to further strengthen U.S.-Greenlandic ties and engage with local leaders," White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told Fox News Digital. "The Special Envoy had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Greenland, with both sides affirming the importance of the high-level working group."

"The United States is optimistic that we are on a good trajectory to address U.S. national security interests in Greenland," added Wales. "The Special Envoy will spend the coming days meeting with local business leaders and building ties with Greenlanders."

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Denmark announced the four-day trip on May 13, one day before Trump departed for China. 

Trump reportedly is seeking veto power to block Greenland from approving future investments from China concerning mineral reserves, first reported by the Telegraph.

When asked by Fox News Digital if the U.S. is seeking oversight during Greenland meetings, a White House official responded that "the administration is participating in diplomatic high-level technical talks with the Governments of Greenland and Denmark to address United States' national security interests in Greenland."

"We are not going to participate in a back and forth through the media, but we are very optimistic that we're on a good trajectory," the official added.

A deeper U.S. foothold in Greenland could help blunt Beijing's push for influence in the Arctic.

Leaders of the Danish territory have drawn a redline when it comes to Trump touting the idea of acquiring Greenland.