U.S. envoy warns of China's maritime influence

U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stephens warned at the International Maritime Organization that China is using its growing control over ships, ports and supply chains as a way to pressure other countries. Stephens said Beijing has expanded its reach through overseas port deals and other maritime investments, which he argued can create vulnerabilities for sovereign states. He also said the United States remains heavily invested in global shipping and wants stronger protection for freedom of navigation, maritime security and supplychain resilience. The warning came as President Donald Trump again raised the idea of U.S. control over Greenland, saying the territory matters for Arctic security because of Russian and Chinese activity near key shipping routes. China has rejected similar U.S. accusations in the past, saying its overseas projects are commercial rather than coercive.