US President Donald Trump says america must take over Greenland for “world peace,” as he doubled down on his ambitions to annex the strategically positioned, resource-rich Danish territory.
“We aren’t speaking about peace for america. We’re speaking about world peace. We’re speaking about worldwide safety,” Trump instructed reporters on the White Home.
Vice President JD Vance, his spouse and different senior US officers visited an American navy base in Greenland on Friday in a visit that was scaled again after an uproar amongst Greenlanders and Danes who have been irked that the unique itinerary was deliberate with out consulting them.
Quickly after arriving, Vance briefly addressed US troops stationed on the base as he and his spouse sat right down to lunch with them, saying that he’s “actually thinking about Arctic safety”.
“As you all know, it’s an enormous difficulty and it’s solely going to get greater over the approaching many years,” mentioned Vance, who was scheduled later to obtain briefings from navy officers and ship remarks.
The revised journey to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as relations between the US and the Nordic nation have soured after Trump repeatedly advised that america ought to, in some type, management the mineral-rich territory managed by Denmark – a standard US ally and NATO member.
Friday’s one-day go to to the US House Pressure outpost at Pituffik, on the northwest coast of Greenland, eliminated the chance of doubtless violating diplomatic customized by sending a delegation to a different nation with out an official invitation. It should additionally cut back the probability that Vance and his spouse will cross paths with residents angered by Trump’s bulletins.
Throughout his go to, Vance was anticipated to obtain briefings and ship remarks to US service members on the bottom, in line with the vice chairman’s workplace. His delegation consists of the nationwide safety adviser, Mike Waltz, and Vitality Secretary Chris Wright, in addition to second girl Usha Vance.
In accordance with a senior White Home official, Vance was anticipated to make the case that Danish leaders have “spent many years mistreating the Greenlandic individuals, treating them like second-class residents and permitting infrastructure on the island to fall into disrepair”.
The official, who was not licensed to remark publicly and requested anonymity to preview the vice chairman’s message, added that Vance would emphasise the significance of bolstering Arctic safety in locations like Pituffik.
‘We should stick collectively’
Earlier than Vance’s arrival, 4 of the 5 events elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month signed an settlement to type a brand new, broad-based coalition authorities. The events banded collectively within the face of Trump’s designs on the territory.
“It’s a time once we as a inhabitants are below strain,” the prime minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, mentioned earlier than the accord was signed to applause and cheers within the capital, Nuuk.
He added that “we should stick collectively. Collectively we’re strongest,” Greenland broadcaster KNR reported.
In a publish on Instagram, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his incoming authorities, and mentioned that “I stay up for shut cooperation in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.”
Frederiksen mentioned on Tuesday that the US go to, which was initially set for 3 days, created “unacceptable strain.” She has mentioned that Denmark needs to work with the US on protection and safety, however Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.
Initially, Usha Vance had introduced a solo journey to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. Her husband then subsequently mentioned he would be a part of her on that journey, solely to alter that itinerary once more – after protests from Greenland and Denmark – to a one-day go to by the couple to the navy publish solely.
Nonetheless, in an interview on Wednesday, Trump repeated his need for US management of Greenland. Requested if the individuals there have been “keen” to turn out to be US residents, Trump mentioned he didn’t know “however I believe we’ve to do it, and we’ve to persuade them.”
‘A bit loopy’
Inhabitants of Nuuk, which is about 1,500km (930 miles) south of Pituffik, voiced concern about Vance’s go to and the US curiosity of their island.
Cora Hoy, 22, mentioned Vance was “welcome if he needs to see it, however in fact, Greenland is just not on the market.” She added that “it’s not regular round right here” with all the eye Greenland is getting. “I really feel now each day is about [Trump] and I simply wish to get away from it.”
“It’s all a bit loopy. In fact, the inhabitants here’s a bit shook up,” mentioned 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. “My opinion is similar as everybody’s: In fact, you don’t do issues this fashion. You don’t simply come right here and say that you simply wish to purchase the place.”
Because the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic worth as each China and Russia search entry to its waterways and pure sources.
Throughout his first time period, Trump floated the concept of shopping for the world’s largest island, whilst Denmark insisted it was not on the market. The individuals of Greenland even have firmly rejected Trump’s plans.
Vance has a number of instances criticised longstanding European allies for counting on navy assist from america, brazenly antagonising companions in ways in which have generated issues in regards to the reliability of the US.
