During his recent visit to Greenland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed strong concerns regarding Denmark’s handling of security in the semi-autonomous territory, particularly in light of perceived threats from China and Russia. “Denmark has not kept pace and devoted the resources necessary to keep this base, to keep our troops, and in my view, to keep the people of Greenland safe from a lot of very aggressive incursions,” he remarked.
While Mr. Vance stated that the United States does not currently plan to expand its military footprint in Greenland, he highlighted intentions to enhance naval capabilities in the region. His comments underscore the complexities surrounding international security and military strategy in the Arctic.
The Vice President’s remarks came shortly after he visited the U.S. military base at Pituffik, located 1,200 km north of the Arctic Circle. This visit coincided with the formation of a new government coalition in Greenland, which aims to maintain its ties with Denmark for the time being. Upon arrival, Mr. Vance took a moment to express gratitude to the U.S. armed forces stationed at the base, acknowledging their service in such a remote and frigid environment, where temperatures can plunge to -19°C.
In a related statement, President Donald Trump asserted the strategic importance of Greenland, telling reporters, “We need Greenland, very importantly, for international security. We have to have Greenland. It’s not a question of, ‘Do you think we can do without it?’ We can’t.” He emphasized concerns about increased naval activity in Greenland’s waters, stating, “There are Chinese and Russian ships all over the place,” and noted that the U.S. cannot rely on Denmark or any other nation to address these challenges.
Furthermore, Mr. Trump added that both Denmark and the European Union should recognize Greenland’s significance to global peace, saying, “If they don’t understand it, we’re going to have to explain it to them.” The new Prime Minister of Greenland, however, conveyed that the U.S. visit represented a “lack of respect” and emphasized the need for national unity amidst external pressures.
King Frederik of Denmark expressed solidarity with Greenland, stating on social media, “We live in an altered reality. There should be no doubt that my love for Greenland and my connectedness to the people of Greenland are intact.” Additionally, Mr. Vance’s delegation included significant figures such as Energy Secretary Chris Wright and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Originally, there were plans for Mr. Vance’s wife to attend a dog-sledding event on the island. However, due to public outcry and concerns from both Greenlandic and Danish authorities, the delegation refrained from interacting with the public during their visit.
The Pituffik base plays a crucial role under a 1951 agreement, allowing U.S. access for security purposes. It serves as a strategic location along the primary route from Europe to North America and is essential for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
Despite its rich mineral and energy resources, interest from the U.S. mining sector has been limited, with most operations being conducted by Australian, Canadian, or British companies. A White House official emphasized that Greenland possesses substantial reserves of rare earth minerals, vital for supporting the next generation of the U.S. economy.
The new Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has called for political unity, stating, “At a time when we as a people are under pressure, we must stand together.” His party, the Demokraatit, favors gradual independence from Denmark and was the most successful in the latest elections held on March 11.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who initially criticized the U.S. visit as “unacceptable,” has congratulated Greenland on its new government, expressing a desire for close cooperation during these challenging times.
However, ahead of Mr. Vance’s visit, some residents voiced their displeasure with the Trump administration. Filmmaker Tungutaq Larsen asserted, “I am a human. Humans are not for sale. We are not for sale.” Polls indicate that a vast majority of Greenlanders oppose any movement toward becoming a part of the United States, with recent protests including demonstrators wearing “Make America Go Away” caps and displaying signs that read “Yankees Go Home.” In a poignant display of local sentiment, residents in Nuuk planted Greenlandic flags in the snow alongside a sign declaring, “Our Land. Our Future.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
