Title: Danish Irk Over JD Vance's Ch tactics, Slam US Annexation Attempts for Greenland
Denmark expresses disapproval toward Vance's Greenland remarks' tone
Denmark expressed displeasure with the sharp tone US Vice President JD Vance used in criticizing Copenhagen's Greenland policies during his recent visit to the resource-rich territory. In a series of social media posts, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen made it clear that Denmark doesn't appreciate such strong-arm tactics from its close ally.
"We welcome constructive criticism, but we don't enjoy the way it's delivered," Rasmussen said, emphasizing that such aggression is not befitting a close ally.
Vance's comments came during a trip to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland – a location viewed as a provocation by both Copenhagen and the Greenlandic capital Nuuk. During a press conference, Vance accused Denmark of failing to invest adequately in the people of Greenland and its security structures.
Trump has previously stated his interest in acquiring Greenland for reasons of national and international security. However, Vance assured the media that no use of force would be necessary for the US to secure the territory, and that they would instead look to make a Trump-style deal with Denmark.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded sharply to Vance's remarks, describing them as inaccurate, while also announcing plans to visit the island next week.
The US delegation, consisting of Vance, his wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, drew a sizeable counter-demonstration in Copenhagen on Saturday. Protesters gathered outside the US embassy, waving banners with slogans like "Trump/Putin stealing countries," "Yankees go home," or "Make ice cubes not war." Kista Lynge Hoegh, a Greenland native, expressed concern about potential annexation and the impact it may have on her family and fellow Greenlandic citizens.
The Pituffik Base, previously known as Thule Air Base until 2023, plays a crucial role in Washington's missile defense infrastructure. Situated in the Arctic on the shortest route for missiles fired from Russia, it was once a warning post for potential attacks from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It also serves as a crucial location for air and submarine surveillance.
It's worth noting that over half of Greenland's 57,000 residents – primarily Inuit – oppose any US annexation, according to a January poll. Greenland's political parties are in favor of independence, but none supports joining the United States. A new four-party coalition government was recently formed in Greenland, urging unity in dealing with external pressures.
Denmark has reportedly boosted its military presence in the Arctic region by announcing a $2 billion plan to bolster its defenses in January. Despite recent tensions, Denmark and the US maintain a close alliance, with Greenland serving as a strategic point for Arctic security collaboration and shared interests.
- JD Vance, during his visit to the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, criticized Denmark's policies towards Greenland, particularly its investment in the people and security structures.
- In response to Vance's harsh criticism, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed Denmark's displeasure with the strong-arm tactics, stating in a series of social media posts that they welcome constructive criticism but not the aggressive delivery.
- Greenland's political parties are in favor of independence, but none support joining the United States, with over half of Greenland's residents, primarily Inuit, opposing any US annexation.
- The US delegation, which included Vance, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, drew a counter-demonstration in Copenhagen, with protesters criticizing the potential annexation and waving banners with slogans like "Trump/Putin stealing countries" and "Make ice cubes not war."
- Artic security collaboration and shared interests still maintain a close alliance between Denmark and the US, despite recent tensions, with the Pituffik Base playing a crucial role in Washington's missile defense infrastructure.
- In an effort to strengthen its defenses, Denmark announced a $2 billion plan in January to bolster its Arctic military presence.
