President Donald Trump asserts that the US must “possess” Greenland to stop Russia and China from acquiring it.
“Nations need to own and protect ownership; leases aren’t defended. Therefore, we will have to safeguard Greenland,” Trump told the press on Friday, following a BBC inquiry.
He mentioned we would pursue it “the easy way” or “the hard way.” The White House recently indicated it is exploring the option to purchase the semi-autonomous region of Denmark, a fellow Nato member, while not completely dismissing the possibility of a forceful annexation.
Denmark and Greenland maintain that the territory is not for sale. Denmark stated that military intervention would end the trans-Atlantic defense partnership.
Although being the least densely populated area, Greenland’s strategic placement between North America and the Arctic makes it ideal for early warning systems in case of missile threats and for surveillance of vessels in the waters.
The US president has repeatedly claimed that Greenland is crucial for US national security, alleging without proof that it was “filled with Russian and Chinese ships everywhere.”
Currently, over 100 US military personnel are stationed permanently at the Pituffik base located in Greenland’s northwestern region – a site managed by the US since World War Two.
According to existing agreements with Denmark, the US can deploy as many troops as necessary to Greenland.
However, while speaking with reporters in Washington, Trump stated that a lease agreement was insufficient.
“Countries can’t settle for nine-year contracts or even agreements for 100 years,” he remarked, adding that true ownership is required.
“I care for the people of China. I care for the people of Russia,” Trump expressed. “Yet, I don’t want them as neighboring residents in Greenland, that will not take place.”
“Additionally, Nato must comprehend that,” the US president continued.
Denmark’s Nato partners – key European nations along with Canada – have united in support this week, asserting that “only Denmark and Greenland have the authority to make decisions regarding their relations.”
Emphasizing that they share the US interest in Arctic security, they stated this must be accomplished collectively, involving allies like the US.
They also advocated for “upholding the tenets of the UN Charter, such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the sanctity of borders.”
Fears about the territory’s future have re-emerged following Trump’s military action against Venezuela on Saturday to oust its president, Nicolás Maduro.
Trump had previously proposed purchasing the island in 2019 during his initial presidential term, only to be rebuffed as it was not for sale.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Denmark next week.
In recent times, there has been a growing interest in Greenland’s natural resources – including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron – which are becoming more accessible as climate change causes its ice to melt. Scientists believe it may also hold significant reserves of oil and gas.
In a collaborative statement on Friday night, Greenland’s party leaders, including those in opposition, restated their demand for an end to the “US’s indifference towards our nation.”
“We do not wish to be Americans, nor do we wish to be Danes; we aspire to be Greenlanders,” they declared. “The future of Greenland ought to be determined by the people of Greenland.”
