Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen strongly criticized the “tone” of comments from American vice president JD Vance about Greenland after his visit to the Arctic territory.
“Of course we are open to criticism,” Rasmussen said in a video published on social media on Friday evening. “But let me be honest: we don’t appreciate the tone in which it is supplied … You don’t talk to your close allies.”
Rasmussen stressed that Denmark recognizes the American interest in Greenland and respects its strategic significance. But he reminded Washington that Greenland is already under NATO’s security umbrella. “We – Denmark and Greenland – are very open to discuss it with you, with an open mind,” he said.
Vance accuses Denmark of “insufficient investment”
During his visit to Pituffik Space Base, Vance Denmark accused him of being able to invest properly in Greenland security and development.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple: people from Greenland have not done a good job, you did not get to the Greenland people and you did not get into the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful land mass, full of incredible people,” Vance told Friday afternoon while traveling.
Vance also suggested that Greenland to seek independence from Denmark, which means that the United States will be a more reliable partner. “I think they will eventually work with the United States,” he said. “We could make them much safer. We could make much more protection. And I think they would also get economically better.”
Trump justifies pressure to control Greenland
Back in Washington President Donald Trump repeated the interest of his administration in Greenland’s control, referring to concerns about national security.
“We must have Greenland,” Trump said. He warned of increasing foreign influence in the region and said, “If you look at Greenland right now, if you look at waterways, you have Chinese and Russian ships and we will not be able to do it. We really do not rely on Denmark or anyone who will take care of this situation.”
Vance repeated the concerns of the President and said: “Denmark did not maintain a step in dedicating resources necessary to maintain this base, maintaining our soldiers, and in my opinion that people in Greenland would maintain many very aggressive entries from Russia, China and other nations.”
Trip sparks of political tension
Vance’s journey to Greenland, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, a national security advisor Mike Waltz and the secretary of Energy Chris Wright, faced controversy from the beginning. Initially, he was planned as a larger delegation and was reduced back after the resistance of Danish and Greenland officials.
The trip was originally presented as a diplomatic and cultural visit with planned activities, including the dog sled. However, the size of the party and perceived political motifs raised concerns between the Danish and Greenland authorities, which led to revisions.
(Tagstotranslate) Denmark
