President Donald Trump says the US needs to own Greenland to prevent Russia and China from doing so.
Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don't defend leases and we'll have to defend Greenland, Trump told reporters on Friday.
We will do it the easy way or the hard way, Trump said - a comment that follows recent statements by the White House that the administration is considering buying the semi-autonomous territory from Denmark, but not removing the option of annexing it by force.
Denmark and Greenland have stated unequivocally that the territory is not for sale. Denmark emphasized that any military action would jeopardize the trans-Atlantic defense alliance.
Despite being one of the most sparsely populated areas, Greenland is strategically located between North America and the Arctic, making it invaluable for missile defense systems and maritime monitoring.
Trump has repeatedly underscored that Greenland is essential to US national security, asserting that the region is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place, a claim he has not substantiated.
The US currently has over 100 military personnel stationed at the Pituffik base, which it has operated since World War II. Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US can bring an unlimited number of troops to Greenland.
However, Trump insisted that lease agreements are insufficient, stating, Countries can't make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals. They must have ownership. He added, I love the people of China. I love the people of Russia, but I don't want them as neighbors in Greenland, not going to happen.
Trump's comments have sparked strong reactions from NATO allies, who have rallied in support of Denmark, reinforcing that only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions regarding their territory.
Recent discussions have highlighted increased interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and oil, which are becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change.
With Secretary of State Marco Rubio scheduled to meet with Danish officials next week, the issue of Greenland's status and the strategic concerns surrounding it remain at the forefront of international discourse.
