President Donald Trump says the US needs to own Greenland to prevent Russia and China from doing so. Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don't defend leases and we'll have to defend Greenland, Trump told reporters on Friday. He stated that the US may pursue acquisition of the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark either the easy way or the hard way, hinting at the possibility of military action if necessary.
Both Denmark and Greenland have rejected the idea, asserting that the territory is not for sale, with Denmark emphasizing that any military action could jeopardize the NATO alliance. Greenland's strategic location makes it vital for US national security, but Trump's claims of increased Russian and Chinese presence in the region have no supporting evidence and have drawn skepticism.
Greenland, with its abundant natural resources, is becoming increasingly attractive due to climate change, which is making these resources more accessible. The US has a military base in Greenland that has been in operation since World War Two, and under existing agreements, it can station troops there as needed. However, Trump insists that long-term lease agreements are insufficient, arguing for outright ownership to ensure security.
As Trump continues to make headlines with his statements and past offers to purchase Greenland, reactions from the international community underscore the complexities of territorial sovereignty and the importance of respecting the decisions of nation-states, especially by NATO allies.
Both Denmark and Greenland have rejected the idea, asserting that the territory is not for sale, with Denmark emphasizing that any military action could jeopardize the NATO alliance. Greenland's strategic location makes it vital for US national security, but Trump's claims of increased Russian and Chinese presence in the region have no supporting evidence and have drawn skepticism.
Greenland, with its abundant natural resources, is becoming increasingly attractive due to climate change, which is making these resources more accessible. The US has a military base in Greenland that has been in operation since World War Two, and under existing agreements, it can station troops there as needed. However, Trump insists that long-term lease agreements are insufficient, arguing for outright ownership to ensure security.
As Trump continues to make headlines with his statements and past offers to purchase Greenland, reactions from the international community underscore the complexities of territorial sovereignty and the importance of respecting the decisions of nation-states, especially by NATO allies.
