New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) Amid mounting concerns regarding the United States contemplating military options for seizing control over Greenland, Germany has downplayed the likelihood of an invasion. NATO, in the meantime, is urging Washington to focus on strategies for ensuring Arctic security, as reported.

Beijing has expressed discontent over US President Donald Trump’s claims linking Russia and China to his Arctic ambitions, according to RT.com, citing the remarks of a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry.

The Financial Times reported that a senior Nordic diplomat asserted it is “simply untrue that the Chinese and Russians are active in the region,” citing specific intelligence inputs.

“There are no ships, no submarines,” declared the official.

Germany’s state-supported broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) quoted NATO chief Mark Rutte, who reiterated on Monday, “All allies recognize the significance of the Arctic and its security, as we understand that with the opening of sea lanes, there is a risk of increased Russian and Chinese activity.”

However, he also confirmed that NATO member nations are collaborating on “next steps” to safeguard Arctic security.

In a different report, DW indicated that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday “downplayed” the notion that the United States could “invade Greenland with military force.”

Wadephul’s comments followed his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where he stressed there was “no reason” to believe such actions were being “seriously considered.”

He emphasized that NATO members share a mutual interest in ensuring Arctic security.

A Newsweek article published on Monday also discussed the evolving situation, noting that US officials have stated that control over Greenland is essential for protecting national security and strengthening NATO defenses.

“Observers suggest that the US's keen interest in the island, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, is also about expanding Washington's influence in the Western Hemisphere and securing essential resources,” it mentioned.

“The region is attracting increasing attention, not only from Arctic-bordering states but also from distant nations. China has asserted itself as a 'near Arctic' state, while Russia — the dominant power in the Arctic — has been significantly enhancing its presence in the area,” added the Newsweek report.

Discussions have arisen concerning China’s Polar Silk Route initiative aimed at developing Arctic shipping routes, which ties into Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) focused on efficient trade route management and resource acquisition.

Newsweek also quoted Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken suggesting NATO member states should initiate a new operation in the Arctic to address US security concerns in the region.

Furthermore, many Greenlanders express a desire to eventually separate from Denmark, yet opinion polls indicate that a significant majority oppose becoming part of the US.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen has already dismissed President Trump's repeated comments regarding the annexation of his country, stating that “the United States will not get it.”

He underscored that Greenland is a self-governing territory and its future decisions rest with its own populace.

This icy region is reported to hold vast natural resources, including fossil fuels and essential raw materials. Its strategic position in the North Atlantic is also noteworthy.

With the US President eyeing both resources and location, Nielsen has responded that, “We are fully aware of our country's strategic location,” as reported.

American troops are already positioned in Greenland's northwest, where their base plays a critical role in monitoring long-range missiles directed towards the US mainland, as highlighted by media coverage on the ongoing situation.