US Interest in Greenland Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
Former US President Donald Trump stated that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons and appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to advance efforts for Greenland to potentially join the US.
Landry was designated to lead the initiative to incorporate Greenland, a move that has drawn criticism from Danish and Greenlandic leaders. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen affirmed that Greenland belongs to its people and that the US would not annex the territory.
In response to the US interest in Greenland, Denmark summoned the US ambassador, indicating ongoing diplomatic tension.
Greenland's strategic location between Europe and North America makes it vital for ballistic missile defence. Additionally, its mineral resources have attracted US attention, especially as the US seeks to reduce dependency on Chinese exports.
The Danish Defence Intelligence Service commented that the US is leveraging economic power to assert its will and threaten the use of force against Greenland, amidst rising security concerns in the Arctic region.
NATO conducted military drills in Greenland in September involving Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, and the US, which maintains a military base on the island. In reaction to NATO's increased presence, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to enhance Russia's Arctic military capabilities.
