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US Vice-President Accuses Denmark of Leaving Greenland Vulnerable to Russian and Chinese Incursions
During a recent visit to Greenland, US Vice-President JD Vance asserted that Denmark has left the Arctic island exposed to potential incursions by Russia and China. Vance urged Greenlanders to consider a direct agreement with the United States, downplaying previous suggestions from President Donald Trump regarding a forceful acquisition of the territory. These remarks highlight growing geopolitical interest in Greenland and the Arctic region, particularly concerning strategic access and untapped mineral resources.
Vance Minimizes Trump’s Takeover Threats, Encourages Greenland-US “Deal”
While in Greenland, Vance sought to diminish the significance of past statements made by President Trump about acquiring the island by force. Instead, he focused on encouraging Greenlanders to contemplate severing ties with Denmark, which has governed the island for over three centuries. Vance contended that Denmark has not adequately invested in the protection of the semi-autonomous territory, leaving it susceptible to external pressures.
Greenlandic and Danish Rejection of US Proposal
Despite Vance’s proposition, public sentiment in Greenland appears strongly against annexation. Recent polls indicate an overwhelming majority of Greenlanders oppose integration with the US. Greenland’s Prime Minister has publicly stated that the US delegation’s visit demonstrated a “lack of respect.”
Denmark’s King Frederik also voiced his disagreement with the US approach. In a social media statement, the King affirmed his enduring bond with Greenland and its people amidst what he described as an “altered reality.”
Abbreviated Greenland Visit Focused on Security Concerns
Originally planned as a multi-day “cultural” visit led by Vance’s wife, the Greenland trip was significantly curtailed due to heightened scrutiny, security considerations, and planned protests. Ultimately, Vance and the Second Lady spent only a few hours in Greenland, with their itinerary limited to Pituffik Space Base. This missile defense installation is situated in a remote northern area of the island, approximately 930 miles (1,500km) from Nuuk, the capital.
Accusations of Neglecting Greenland’s Security
During his visit to Pituffik, Vance utilized the opportunity to criticize Denmark, alleging its failure to adequately safeguard Greenland from “very aggressive incursions from Russia, from China, and other nations.” He suggested these nations are intensely interested in Arctic routes and Greenland’s substantial mineral and petroleum deposits.
US Reassurances Against Military Force, Emphasis on Partnership
Vance sought to reassure Greenlanders that the US was not contemplating military action to seize the island from Denmark. He instead promoted “self-determination” for Greenland and a departure from Danish governance, which dates back to 1721. Vance expressed confidence in forging a “Donald Trump-style” agreement to ensure the territory’s security.
“We anticipate being able to strike a deal,” Vance stated, emphasizing the US commitment to Greenland’s security and sovereignty. He added, “Their security is very much our security,” suggesting a mutual security interest.
While clarifying that the US currently has no immediate plans to expand its military presence in Greenland, Vance indicated intentions to increase resource allocation, including naval vessels and military icebreakers, to the region.
Vance’s Criticism of Danish Arctic Policy
“Our message to Denmark is straightforward,” Vance asserted. “You have not served the people of Greenland well. You have under-invested in the people of Greenland, and you have under-invested in the security of this remarkable, beautiful landmass.”
Accompanying Vice-President Vance on this trip were U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The temperature at Pituffik during the visit was recorded at -3°F (-19°C).
Trump Reinforces Strategic Importance of Greenland
Back in Washington, President Trump reiterated the strategic importance of Greenland, asserting that US control was necessary to ensure “peace of the entire world.” He claimed that Greenland’s waterways were heavily trafficked by “Chinese and Russian ships.”
“We require Greenland, crucially, for international security,” Trump declared, stating, “We must possess Greenland. It is not a question of whether we can manage without it; we cannot.”
Trump suggested that Denmark and the European Union understood this strategic necessity, adding that further explanation would be provided if needed.
Danish Prime Minister Rejects Vance’s Assertions
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to Vance’s remarks with disapproval. In a statement to the BBC, she contested Vance’s assessment of Denmark’s commitment to Greenland and its partnership with the US.
“For numerous years, we have stood alongside the Americans in highly challenging situations,” Frederiksen stated. “Therefore, the Vice-President’s characterization of Denmark is inaccurate.”
She highlighted Denmark’s significant increases in defense spending and outlined further investments in surveillance, Arctic vessels, long-range drones, and satellite capabilities. “We are prepared – around the clock – to cooperate with the Americans,” she affirmed, “a cooperation that must be grounded in established international regulations.”
Greenland Prime Minister Expresses “Lack of Respect”
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, had previously characterized Vance’s visit as demonstrating “a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people.”
Nuuk Residents Voice Concerns Over US Interest
Interviews conducted by the BBC in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, revealed skepticism among some residents regarding the US overtures. At a local cultural center, artist Karline Poulsen expressed reservations about the tone of the US approach, stating, “There are many ways to express things. But I believe President Trump’s method is not appropriate.”
A resident named Nina voiced her unease, stating, “I am apprehensive [about the visit]. It feels somewhat strange, and I am not comfortable with it.” Her daughter, Anita, echoed these concerns, noting that the visit has generated “considerable uncertainty and widespread worry.”
Greenland’s Path to Potential Independence
Since 2009, Greenland has possessed the right to conduct an independence referendum. While most major political parties in Greenland advocate for independence from Denmark, disagreements persist regarding the timeline and approach to achieving this goal. Greenland currently manages its domestic affairs, while foreign policy and defense remain under Copenhagen’s jurisdiction.
Historical Context: Trump’s Enduring Interest and International Reactions
President Trump initially proposed the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first term, and his interest in acquiring the island has apparently intensified. Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on Trump’s Greenland proposals, stating they appeared “serious.” He also expressed concern about NATO countries increasingly viewing the Arctic region as a potential conflict zone.
Qupanuk Olsen, a Greenlandic politician from the pro-independence Naleraq party, conveyed to the BBC that Greenland was taking US interest in the island with “very serious” consideration.
“We are wary of being colonized once more. We have been a colony under Denmark for the past 300 years, and it still feels that way,” Olsen explained. “Now, another colonizer is showing interest in us.”
Analysis of US Strategy in Greenland
Troy Bouffard, a University of Alaska professor specializing in Arctic security, suggested to the BBC that President Trump’s approach to Greenland is driven more by a business-oriented mindset than traditional geopolitics or diplomacy.
“If one considers this issue solely through a diplomatic lens, they may overlook alternative strategies the US might employ to finalize this agreement, pressuring key stakeholders into negotiations or compromises,” Bouffard noted.
Bouffard posited that the ultimate US objective is to establish a “significantly more robust relationship” with Greenland, potentially involving a scenario where the US assumes a primary partnership role, possibly at Denmark’s expense, in key areas of responsibility.