The Danish foreign minister on Saturday scolded the Trump administration for its \u201ctone\u201d in criticizing Denmark and Greenland, saying his country is already investing more into Arctic security and remains open to more cooperation with the United States. <\/p>\n
Foreign Minister Lars L\u00f8kke Rasmussen made the remarks in a video posted to social media after US Vice President JD Vance\u2019s visit to the strategic island. <\/p>\n
\u201cMany accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course we are open to criticism,\u201d Rasmussen said speaking in English. \u201cBut let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies. And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies.\u201d <\/p>\n
Vance on Friday said Denmark had \u201cunderinvested\u201d in Greenland\u2019s security and demanded that Denmark change its approach as President Donald Trump pushes to take over the Danish territory. <\/p>\n
Vance visited US troops on Pituffik Space Base on mineral-rich Greenland alongside his wife and other senior US officials for a trip that was ultimately scaled back after an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes who were not consulted about the original itinerary. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,\u201d Vance said Friday. \u201cYou have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.\u201d <\/p>\n
Vance said the US had \u201cno option\u201d but to take a significant position to ensure the security of Greenland as he encouraged a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,\u201d Vance said. \u201cWe could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they\u2019d fare a lot better economically as well.\u201d <\/p>\n
The reaction by members of Greenland\u2019s parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration\u2019s attempts to annex the vast Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back on Vance\u2019s claim that Denmark isn\u2019t doing enough for defense in the Arctic, calling her country \u201ca good and strong ally.\u201d <\/p>\n
And Greenlandic lawmakers on Thursday agreed to form a new government, banding together to resist Trump\u2019s overtures. Four of the five parties elected to Greenland\u2019s parliament earlier this month have agreed to form a coalition that will have 23 of 31 seats in the legislature. <\/p>\n
L\u00f8kke Rasmussen, in his video, reminded viewers of the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States. Since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has decreased from thousands of soldiers over 17 bases and installations on the island, he said, to the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest with some 200 soldiers today. <\/p>\n
The 1951 agreement \u201coffers ample opportunity for the United States to have a much stronger military presence in Greenland,\u201d the foreign minister said. \u201cIf that is what you wish, then let us discuss it.\u201d <\/p>\n
L\u00f8kke Rasmussen added that Denmark had increased its own investment into Arctic defense. In January, Denmark announced 14.6 billion Danish kroner ($2.1 billion) in financial commitments for Arctic security covering three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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