Trump Warns US May Take Action on Greenland to Counter China and Russia
Washington, DC: Former US President Donald Trump has said the United States may be forced to take action on Greenland if it fails to secure its strategic interests, warning that China or Russia could otherwise expand their influence in the Arctic region.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with oil executives at the White House on Friday, Trump said the US cannot allow China or Russia to emerge as neighbouring powers in the Arctic.
“We will have to do something on Greenland, because if we don’t, China or Russia will take over,” Trump said, emphasising that the issue is linked to US national security.
Trump reiterates Greenland stance
Trump reiterated his long-held position that ownership, rather than leases or military arrangements, is essential for effective defence.
“When you own it, you defend it. You don’t defend leases the same way. Countries need ownership to defend their interests,” he said.
The former president also criticised previous US foreign policy decisions, referencing the Iran nuclear deal, and argued that long-term security requires firm control over strategic territories.
Strategic importance of Greenland
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, holds significant geopolitical value due to its location in the Arctic, access to emerging shipping routes, and potential natural resources. The United States already maintains a military presence on the island, including the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base).
Trump stated that NATO allies must understand the importance of Greenland’s role in global security, adding that the US would not tolerate growing Chinese or Russian influence in the region.
Greenland leadership rejects US claims
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen firmly rejected any suggestion of US ownership.
“We do not wish to be Americans. We do not wish to be Danes. We wish to be Greenlanders,” Nielsen said in a statement shared on social media.
He stressed that Greenland’s future must be determined solely by its people, in accordance with international law and the Self-Government Act.
“No other country has the right to interfere in this process. We will decide our country’s future ourselves, without external pressure,” the premier added.
US interest in Greenland continues
For decades, Washington has viewed Greenland as strategically important. During his first term in 2019, Trump made headlines after proposing to buy Greenland, an offer that was quickly rejected by Denmark.
Trump has repeatedly warned that if the US does not act to secure its interests abroad, rival powers such as China and Russia could fill the vacuum. He has made similar claims regarding Venezuela and other regions of strategic importance.
As Arctic competition intensifies, Greenland remains a focal point of global geopolitical interest, with the US, China, and Russia closely monitoring developments in the region.
0 Comments