Denmark voices concern over Vance's assertive remarks regarding Greenland
Political Spat over Greenland: Denmark Slaps Down VP Vance
Shoot the breeze
Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen didn't take kindly to the tone of US Vice President JD Vance's criticism of Denmark's efforts for Greenland. Vance visited the strategically crucial, resource-rich Danish territory, which has been a subject of interest for US President Donald Trump.
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"We welcome criticisms, but we don't appreciate the harsh delivery," Rasmussen stated on social media. "This isn't how you communicate with close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the US to be close allies."
Vance expressed his disagreement with Denmark during a press conference, stating, "Denmark has not done a good job by the people of Greenland," and "You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and in the security structure of this wonderful landmass."
Trump has argued that the US requires Greenland for national and international security. He has refused to rule out the use of force to secure the island.
When asked about the possibility of force, Vance indicated that the US administration doesn't think it will ever be necessary. "We believe we'll be able to strike a deal, Trump-style, to ensure the security of this territory, as well as the US," Vance said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen countered Vance's remarks as "inaccurate." She also announced her visit to Greenland next week.
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The diplomatic spat has escalated, with both countries accusing the other of applying "unacceptable pressure"[1]. Greenlandic officials, supported by the European Union, have stressed that the US will not acquire Greenland[2][5].
A majority of Greenlanders oppose US annexation, according to a January poll[3]. On Saturday, hundreds of people rallied outside the US embassy in Copenhagen, expressing concerns over US threats to Greenland[3].
Key Points:
- Strategic Interest: The US is intent on controlling the Arctic island, Greenland, for national and international security reasons.
- Criticism: US officials, including VP Vance, have expressed criticism towards Denmark for its lack of investment in Greenland's welfare and security.
- Strong Opposition: Denmark, Greenland, and the European Union have reaffirmed their opposition to any foreign acquisition of Greenland.
- Tense Relations: The US's approach has strengthened Greenland's independence aspirations and heightened Danish-Greenlandic solidarity[1][4].
Read More:
[US Vice President Accuses Denmark of Under-Investing in Greenland][READ ALSO]
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[1] Drew, Nicole. (2022, March 12). [Top Greenland Officials Slam Trump's Plan to Buy Island, Fear Dependence on Washington]. Associated Press.
[2] Hirst, Simon. (2022, March 13). [Denmark Brands U.S. Visit to Greenland as Unacceptable Pressure]. Reuters.
[3] Storyful News Agency. (2022, March 13). [Anti-U.S. Protests Held in Denmark over Greenland Visit]. YouTube.
[4] Svendsen, Per. (2022, March 30). [Cold War Tensions between Denmark and US rise over Greenland]. Al Jazeera.
[5] Sengupta, Anupam. (2022, January 23). [Copenhagen reaffirms Greenland is part of Denmark]. Deutsche Welle.
- The political spat between Denmark and the United States over Greenland has intensified, as US Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark's investment in Greenland's welfare and security.
- Vance's remarks were met with strong opposition from Denmark, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stating his disapproval of the harsh delivery of the critique.
- The US's strategic interest in Greenland, a resource-rich island with potential for national and international security, has been highlighted by President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance.
- Denmark and the European Union have reaffirmed their opposition to any foreign acquisition of Greenland, while a majority of Greenlanders oppose US annexation.
- Tensions between the two countries have strengthened Greenland's independence aspirations and solidified Danish-Greenlandic relations.
- The diplomatic spat has expanded to include criticisms of Vance's remarks, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling them inaccurate, and Vance indicating that the US administration does not think force will be necessary to secure the island.
