Trump's Steady Pursuit of Greenland: "It's About International Security"
Potential U.S. Acquisition of Greenland: Trump Expresses Optimism
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The Race for Greenland Heats Up
US President Donald Trump has maintained his ambition to annex Greenland. In a chat with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump asserted, "It's about international security." He highlighted the growing presence of Russian and Chinese vessels near the Arctic island's coast. Trump further emphasized Greenland's significant strategic importance and its distant location from Denmark.
In a moment of reflection, Trump mentioned Rutte as someone who could lend a hand. Rutte, however, relayed his intentions to sidestep NATO involvement in this matter. Yet, he shared Trump's concerns about the "High North" and the Arctic. "The Chinese are making use of these routes," said Rutte. "We know the Russians are weaponizing up. We know we're short on icebreakers," he added, stressing the need for collaboration among Arctic coastal states to maintain the region's safety.
Politics has Greenland in the Limelight
Trump has previously threatened to seize Greenland forcefully. Last week, he reiterated his plans during a speech to the US Congress. Although the US supports self-determination for the local population, Trump expressed his confidence that the US would secure Greenland eventually. Polls indicate that 85% of Greenlanders oppose Trump's takeover plans. Denmark, too, has made it clear that it has no intention of abandoning Greenland.
Unrealistic US Takeover
The results of the recent parliamentary election on Greenland have seen Demokraatit and Naleraq emerge as the strongest forces. These parties aim for independence from Denmark but have differing opinions regarding the pace of the process. For now, a US takeover, as envisioned by Trump, appears unrealistic.
But No Closer to USA: Greenland's Independence Sentiments Persist
With a population of just over 57,000, Greenland is six times larger than Germany in terms of area and is covered by ice for four-fifths. The island holds significant importance for global climate, the control of Arctic military forces, and the abundance of resources such as rare earths. Important shipping routes also pass through the region.
Recent political developments have shone a spotlight on Greenland, causing unease among some locals. Yet, these events have also revitalized debates surrounding Greenland's independence that have been ongoing for decades. Acquiring Greenland isn't as straightforward as Trump seems to assume. Unlike the case of Alaska in 1867, the US can no longer easily buy territories from other countries today.
Source: ntv.de, gut/AFP/dpa
- Politics
- Greenland
- Donald Trump
- Mark Rutte
- USA
- NATO
- Rare Earths
- Inatsisartut
- Knowledge of Icebreakers
- Arctic Military Control
- China
- Russia
- Amidst the ongoing political discussions, the European Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the strategic importance of Greenland's resources such as rare earths.
- Despite Trump's persisting ambitions, recent political developments in Greenland, such as the elections that saw Demokraatit and Naleraq emerge as the strongest forces advocating for independence from Denmark, indicate that a US takeover of Greenland, as envisioned by Trump, remains unrealistic.
- As Mark Rutte addressed Trump's concerns about the "High North" and the Arctic, he stressed the need for international collaboration among Arctic coastal states, such as the European Union, on matters related to safety and icebreaker knowledge, given the strategic location and resources of Greenland, and the growing presence of Russian and Chinese vessels in the region.
