Trump says US must ‘own’ Greenland to block Russia, China
New Delhi, Jan 10: US President Donald Trump has said the United States needs to “own” Greenland to prevent Russia and China from gaining a foothold there, the BBC reported. Speaking to reporters in Washington on Friday, Trump said, “Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don’t defend leases and we’ll have to defend Greenland.” He added that the US would achieve this “the easy way” or “the hard way”, remarks that follow recent statements from the White House indicating it is considering buying the semi-autonomous territory from Denmark, without ruling out the use of force. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea, insisting the territory is not for sale.
Denmark has warned that any military action would effectively end the transatlantic defence alliance.
Greenland’s strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it important for early missile warning systems and monitoring naval activity. Trump has repeatedly described the territory as vital to US national security, claiming, without providing evidence, that it was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” according to the BBC. The United States already maintains more than 100 military personnel at the Pituffik base in north-west Greenland, which it has operated since World War II. Under existing agreements with Denmark, Washington can deploy additional troops if needed. However, Trump said lease arrangements were insufficient. “Countries can’t make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals,” he said, arguing that ownership was essential. While saying he had no ill will towards Russia or China, Trump added, “I don’t want them as a neighbour in Greenland, not going to happen,” and said Nato must also understand the US position. Denmark’s Nato allies, including major European countries and Canada, have publicly backed Copenhagen, reaffirming that only Denmark and Greenland can decide on their relationship. They stressed that Arctic security should be pursued collectively by allies and in line with the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the BBC reported.
