INTERNATIONAL
Bessent tells Davos Europe shouldn't retaliate over Greenland
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026. - REUTERS
DAVOS, Switzerland: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday (January 20) warned European countries not to retaliate over Trump's aim to take over Greenland and urged them to "have an open mind."
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"I tell everyone, sit back. Take a deep breath. Do not retaliate. ... The president will be here tomorrow, and he will get his message across," Bessent said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Bessent also said he had a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Davos late on Monday and discussed soybean purchases.
"I had a meeting with my Chinese counterpart here in Davos last night, Vice Premier He Lifeng. He told me that just this week, they have completed their soybean purchases, and we're looking forward to next year's 25 million tons," Bessent said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum.
Bessent also said rare earths were flowing from China as expected.
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AI Brief
- Bessent tells audiences to stay calm and avoid retaliation ahead of Trump's expected message at Davos.
- He says China has finished this week's soybean purchases and plans for 25 million tons next year.
- Rare earth shipments from China are moving as expected, according to Bessent.
"I tell everyone, sit back. Take a deep breath. Do not retaliate. ... The president will be here tomorrow, and he will get his message across," Bessent said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Bessent also said he had a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Davos late on Monday and discussed soybean purchases.
"I had a meeting with my Chinese counterpart here in Davos last night, Vice Premier He Lifeng. He told me that just this week, they have completed their soybean purchases, and we're looking forward to next year's 25 million tons," Bessent said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum.
Bessent also said rare earths were flowing from China as expected.
Your gateway to global news, insights, and stories that matter.