Denmark privately sent proposals on Greenland to Trump’s team
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Denmark has sent personal messages to the team of US President-elect Donald Trump about Greenland. The country is ready to discuss enhancing security on the island or increasing the US military presence, reports Axios.
The media notes that Trump's recent refusal to rule out using military force to take control of Greenland was essentially a threat of invasion against a long-standing NATO ally. These comments caught Copenhagen and many other European capitals off guard.
Specifically, Trump claimed that control over Greenland, the world’s largest island, is essential for US national security in relations with Russia and China. Moreover, climate change is opening up the Arctic for competition among superpowers and could facilitate the exploitation of Greenland's mineral resources.
Although the island enjoys significant autonomy, Denmark retains responsibility for its defense. According to Axios sources, the Danish government aims to convince Trump, through messages sent to his advisors this week, that the US President-elect's security concerns can be addressed without asserting US claims to Greenland.
A European diplomat told the media that Denmark is widely regarded as one of America's closest allies in the EU, and no one could have imagined it would be the first country Trump would clash with.
Sources reveal that the Danish government wishes to avoid a public confrontation with the new US administration and has asked a member of Trump’s team to clarify what the President-elect meant in his comments earlier this week.
In the messages conveyed, the Danish government made it clear that Greenland is not for sale but expressed readiness to discuss any other US requests concerning the island.
The US already has a military base in Greenland and a 1951 agreement with Denmark for the island's defense, under which an increase in the number of US troops could be easily discussed.
Additionally, Danish officials have stated that they are considering further measures to increase investment in Greenland’s military infrastructure and capabilities in consultation with the Greenlandic government.
The key question now is whether Trump will be satisfied with reaching agreements with Denmark and claiming a symbolic victory or if his true mission is to become the first president in 80 years to acquire new territory for the US.
Axios added that Greenland played a crucial role in NATO and US defense during the Cold War, being part of the early-warning system for detecting Soviet submarines or potential missile launches.
Yesterday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen talked about her desire to negotiate with Trump but added that she did not expect dialogue before his inauguration.
