Vice President J.D. Vance made a pitch Friday for Greenland to consider U.S. leadership, saying Denmark is “failing” at securing the Arctic island.
In dissing Denmark, Vance attempted to turn President Donald Trump‘s threat of a hostile takeover into an overture: “Denmark hasn’t done a good job of keeping Greenland safe,” he said in remarks.
Vance spoke at a U.S. military installation on the semi-autonomous island, far from any major civilian population. His visit was scaled-back after residents and officials vowed to protest.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple,” Vance said. “You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful land mass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”
Vance’s sharp attacks against Denmark – a longtime U.S. ally and NATO member – offered another example of the little regard the Trump administration holds for traditional U.S. alliances.
In Greenland on Friday, Vance said Russia, China and other nations are taking an “extraordinary interest” in Arctic passageways, naval routes and minerals in the region. He said the U.S. will invest more resources, including naval ships and military icebreakers that will have a greater presence in the country.
President Donald Trump has been gunning for Greenland, whose abundant natural resources represent potential riches for the nation that controls them. Greenland has belonged to Denmark since the early 18th century.
Greenland prime minister says US shows ‘lack of respect’
Climate change could open up access to resources in the frigid, ice-covered land mass. Trump’s threats – initially seen by Denmark as political posturing – are increasingly being viewed as serious.
“We need Greenland, very importantly for international security,” Trump said in the Oval Office Friday during Vance’s visit. “We have to have Greenland.”
Greenland’s new prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said the U.S. visit signalled a “lack of respect,” while Danish leaders expressed their commitment to Greenland.
“For many years we have stood side by side with the Americans under very difficult circumstances. Therefore the vice president’s description of Denmark is not a fair one,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement to Danish news agency Ritzau.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Vance “has a point that we haven’t done enough, but I’m a little provoked because it’s also the Americans who haven’t done enough.”
Rasmussen said that the U.S. today has a base with 200 soldiers, while during the Cold War the Americans had 17 military installations in Greenland with 10,000 soldiers.
Speaking to service men and women during a news conference, Vance raised spectre of Russian or Chinese control of Greenland, then criticized Denmark for not doing enough to keep Greenland residents safe.
“We believe in the self-determination of the people of Greenland,” Vance said. “Our argument is with the leaders of Denmark.”
Contributing: Reuters
