Greenland's Sudden Change: When the Big Stick of Tariffs Becomes a Bargaining Chip at the Negotiating Table

1. An Unexpected "Sharp Turn"

This is simply a textbook-level diplomatic reversal. Just as the outside world predicted that a trade war between the U.S. and Europe was imminent, Trump diffused the tension in an instant with an unexpected reason—the progress of negotiations regarding Greenland. This unconventional approach once again proves that he is not a traditional politician, but a highly pragmatic negotiator.

2. Handshakes in Davos and the Deals Behind Them

From the clinking of glasses in Davos to the "tax exemption declaration" on social media, this series of operations flows smoothly. Trump showcased his core logic to the world: everything is negotiable. The previous standoff may have merely been a tactic to force concessions on the Greenland issue. The so-called "sovereign dignity" seems to have room for negotiation under the framework of tangible interests being exchanged.

3. The Market's Carnival and the Return of Rationality

The financial market's reaction is the most direct and honest. The intraday rebound of the S&P and Nasdaq reflects the capital market's extreme desire for the "elimination of uncertainty." In this game, the market does not care about the final ownership of Greenland; it only cares about whether the big stick of tariffs will fall. Trump successfully exchanged a vague promise for the short-term prosperity of the market.

4. A Vague "Victory"

The currently disclosed "future agreement framework" remains shrouded in fog. Is this a substantial resource exchange, or is it merely a "pie in the sky" drawn to ease relations? Regardless, this "framework" has successfully served as a cushion. It reminds us that in the chess game of international competition, any topic can become a bargaining chip for another negotiation.

5. The Sobering of Onlookers

For the public, there is no need to be overly absorbed in the ups and downs of great power competition. High-level handshakes and reconciliations are often accompanied by concessions or redistributions of interests at the grassroots level. We should look beyond appearances to see the essence: this is not just a diplomatic victory, but also a successful management of expectations. In the face of macro waves, maintaining calm and safeguarding one's own interests is far more important than taking sides and watching the drama unfold.