Tension Flares Over Greenland as US Vice President Accuses Denmark
U.S. vice president alleges insufficient investment by Denmark in Greenland
Exploring a frosty diplomatic landscape, US Vice President JD Vance sneered at Denmark on Friday, alleging they've fallen short in protecting Greenland, during a trip that Danish and Greenlandic officials brandish as a provocative move.
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Vance expressed his criticisms during a visit to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. Copenhagen and Nuuk – Greenland's capital – regarded this visit as a bold and unwarranted intrusion.
"Our wouldn't-you-know-it message to Denmark is simple: You've been slacking with Greenlanders," Vance stated during a press conference. “You've drastically underspent on the people of Greenland and their security, all while neglecting their beautiful landmass."
The Trump administration leveled concerns over national and international security, believing the vast Arctic island is crucial for its defense. Trump went as far as to withhold the possibility of employing force to secure Greenland, before ultimately deciding it wouldn't be necessary.
READ ALSO: Majority of Greenlanders Oppose US Takeover in Poll
"We're not just chasing peace for the US. We're aiming for world peace, striving for international security," Trump claimed, speaking to reporters at the White House.
However, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen fired back, asserting that Denmark has stood by U.S. forces in demanding situations. She added that Vance's assessment of Denmark wasn't accurate, vowing to “cooperate day and night with the Americans” on Arctic security.
Vance was accompanied by his wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat – who is also Waltz's wife. The US delegation departed Greenland just before 4:00 pm (1800 GMT).
READ ALSO: Inside Denmark – Why is Denmark Increasing Military Cooperation with the US?
Unacceptable Pressure
Frederiksen, along with Danish and Greenlandic officials and the European Union, argue that the U.S. will not obtain Greenland. The US decision to visit Greenland without an invitation was denounced by Frederiksen as “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland and Denmark.
A majority of Greenlanders oppose U.S. annexation, based on a January poll. The Pituffik base, a vital component of Washington's missile defense infrastructure, serves as a monitoring station for potential threats from Russia.
Lack of Respect
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a mining executive in his past life, voiced hopes for U.S.-Greenland collaboration on mining to generate jobs and opportunities while providing essential minerals and resources to the U.S.
Trump's ambition to annex the ice-covered territory, seeking independence from Denmark, has met stiff resistance, both from Greenlanders and Danish officials. While all Greenlandic political parties advocate for independence, none support becoming part of the U.S.
Recent elections in Greenland led to the formation of a new broad four-party coalition government, which was announced just hours before the US delegation's arrival. The incoming prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expressed frustration with the US administration for visiting Greenland when there was no governing body in place. This move, he perceived, was a lack of respect toward an ally.
Vance's wife, Usha, initially planned to travel solely with her son to Greenland for a dogsled race in Sisimiut. However, locals threatened to give her "the cold shoulder," with several protests planned. The visit to Sisimiut was later canceled, replaced with a visit to the military base.
- US Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark for allegedly inadequate protection of Greenland, during a visit to the Pituffik Space Base.
- The US delegation, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, expressed hopes for collaboration with Greenland on mining projects to generate jobs and resources.
- The majority of Greenlanders oppose the potential US takeover of their territory, as suggested by a January poll.
- Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark responded to Vance's criticisms, asserting that Denmark has consistently cooperated with American forces on Arctic security.
- Trump claimed that the US is not only concerned about securing peace for itself but also for achieving world peace and international security.
- The US decision to visit Greenland without an invitation was labelled as "unacceptable pressure" by Denmark's Prime Minister Frederiksen.
- The incoming prime minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expressed frustration over the US administration's visit to Greenland while there was no governing body in place, perceiving it as a lack of respect towards an ally.
