Greenland's prime minister has stated his people would choose Denmark over the US if they were asked to make such a choice here and now.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen's remark at a joint news conference with Denmark's prime minister is the strongest by a representative of the semi-autonomous Danish territory since US President Donald Trump renewed his plan to annex it.
Trump claims that the US needs to own Greenland to defend against Russia and China. The White House has suggested buying the island but has not ruled out the use of force for annexation.
Denmark is a fellow NATO member and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that military force would undermine the trans-Atlantic defense alliance.
In response to Nielsen's comments, Trump remarked: That's their problem, I disagree with him... That's going to be a big problem for him. Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, Greenland's strategic location is considered crucial for early warning systems against missile attacks and monitoring regional vessels.
The US has over 100 military personnel stationed at its Pituffik base in Greenland, operational since WWII. Under existing agreements, the US can deploy as many troops as needed. However, Trump insists that a lease agreement is insufficient and claims the US must own Greenland.
At the Copenhagen news conference, Frederiksen condemned the completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally and warned that the most challenging parts of this situation might be ahead.
Nielsen emphasized that Greenland does not wish to be owned or governed by the US, stating clearly: If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. One thing must be clear to everyone. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States.
This press conference coincides with ongoing discussions involving Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, who are set to meet US officials.
Danish NATO allies have publicly supported Denmark throughout this conflict, affirming that only Denmark and Greenland can determine their relations and calling for collective action regarding Arctic security.
Concerns about Greenland’s future have resurfaced following Trump's military actions in Venezuela and increasing interest in the island's natural resources, which are becoming more accessible due to climate change.
