Is Denmark Ready to Resist US Claims over Greenland?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Denmark and Greenland oppose US takeover claims.
- Joint working group established with the US.
- Denmark emphasizes sovereignty and self-determination.
- No immediate threats from China or Russia reported.
- Increased military presence in Greenland.
Copenhagen, Jan 15 (NationPress) Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s chief diplomat Vivian Motzfeldt have announced that the United States has consented to form a collaborative working group to explore potential developments concerning Greenland.
They also recognized that tangible advancements at this moment are minimal.
Rasmussen characterized discussions at the White House with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “open yet constructive,” but he firmly reiterated that a US acquisition of Greenland is not necessary nor acceptable.
“We still have fundamental disagreements,” he emphasized, while confirming that dialogues between Copenhagen, Nuuk, and Washington will persist.
The Danish foreign minister underscored that Denmark is prepared to enhance its security contributions to Greenland, but made it clear that any proposals undermining Danish sovereignty or Greenland’s right to self-determination are “completely unacceptable.”
He affirmed that Denmark's stance on these essential principles remains unchanged.
Rejecting assertions regarding an increasing military presence from China or Russia in Greenland, Rasmussen stated there is no evidence of an immediate threat.
“Based on our intelligence, we have not seen a Chinese warship in Greenland for about a decade,” he remarked, adding that “there is no immediate threat from China or Russia that Denmark and Greenland cannot handle.”
Rasmussen also defended the continued use of Greenlandic dog sledges by special forces, asserting that they remain highly effective for mobility in challenging Arctic conditions.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the relevance of dog sledges in the area.
Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt expressed that Nuuk is eager to collaborate closely with the United States but is equally firm on maintaining its independence.
“That doesn’t imply we wish to be owned by the United States,” she stated, emphasizing that cooperation does not equate to relinquishing control.
Calling for a reset in relations, Motzfeldt urged both parties to revert to the “normalized relationship we once had” and highlighted the importance of achieving balance and cooperating as allies, especially in the strategically significant Arctic region.
These remarks arise amid renewed statements from President Trump advocating for US dominion over Greenland under the guise of national security and enhancing NATO.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Anything less than US control is unacceptable… NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland under the United States.”
Responding to these claims, Rasmussen reiterated that the United States has no need to acquire Greenland and again dismissed suggestions of an urgent threat from Russia or China.
“Denmark is undeniably on the right side of history,” he stated, defending Copenhagen’s approach to Arctic security and collaboration.
Meanwhile, Denmark has already increased its military presence in Greenland over the past year.
Rasmussen noted that the Danish Defence Command has amplified its activities in the Arctic, including training deployments and maintaining a sustained presence through both routine missions and planned future operations.