Denmark tells US to change its tone on Greenland

The Danish foreign minister scolded the Trump administration for its “tone” in criticising Denmark and Greenland, saying his country is already investing more into Arctic security and remains open to more cooperation with the US.

Foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen make the remarks in a video posted to social media after US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the strategic island.

“Many accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course we are open to criticism,” Mr Rasmussen said speaking in English.

“But 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.”

‘Underinvested’

Mr Vance on Friday said Denmark has “underinvested” in Greenland’s security and demanded that Denmark change its approach as President Donald Trump pushes to take over the Danish territory.

Mr 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.

“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Mr Vance said on Friday.

“You 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.”

Independence 

Mr Vance said the US has “no option” but to take a significant position to ensure the security of Greenland as he encouraged a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.

“I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Mr Vance said.

“We could make them much more secure.

“We could do a lot more protection.

“And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”

The reaction by members of Greenland’s parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration’s attempts to annex the vast Arctic island.

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back on Mr Vance’s claim that Denmark is not doing enough for defence in the Arctic, calling her country “a good and strong ally”.

And Greenlandic politicians on Thursday agreed to form a new government, banding together to resist Mr Trump’s overtures.

Four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month have agreed to form a coalition that will have 23 of 31 seats in the legislature.

Defence agreement

Mr Lokke Rasmussen, in his video, reminded viewers of the 1951 defence 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.

The 1951 agreement “offers ample opportunity for the United States to have a much stronger military presence in Greenland”, the foreign minister said.

“If that is what you wish, then let us discuss it.”

Mr Lokke Rasmussen added that Denmark has increased its own investment into Arctic defence.

In January, Denmark announced 14.6 billion Danish kroner (2.1 billion US dollars) in financial commitments for Arctic security covering three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites.