Denmark says Greenland can be independent but unlikely to join US

(CLO) Greenland could become an independent country if its people wish, but the possibility of joining the United States is very low, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced on Wednesday.

The statement came after US President-elect Donald Trump did not rule out using military or economic force to control the resource-rich Arctic island.

Nanortalik, meaning “Place of the Polar Bear,” is a town in southern Greenland with 1,185 residents as of 2020. Photo: JFGryphon .

On Wednesday, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede met with the Danish king in Copenhagen, just a day after Mr Trump's remarks.

On January 7, Mr. Trump said he would not rule out military or economic measures to make Greenland part of the United States. On the same day, his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Greenland.

Strategic importance

Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of just 57,000, has been part of Denmark for more than 600 years. However, the Greenland government now governs its own affairs and is aiming to achieve independence in the future.

Due to its strategic location in the Arctic, Greenland plays an important role in the US ballistic missile warning system and is a NATO member through Denmark.

"We recognize that Greenland has its own ambitions. If that happens, Greenland will become an independent country, but it will not have ambitions to become a US state," Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said.

Mr. Rasmussen also admitted that the US has good reasons to increase its interest in the Arctic, in the context of Russia and China increasing activities in this region.

Colorful wooden houses in Upernavik, Greenland. Photo: D-Stanley

Relations between Greenland and Denmark have been strained recently, with accusations of unfair treatment of Greenlanders. Prime Minister Egede insisted: "Greenland is not for sale", and stressed the goal of independence in his New Year's speech.

Greenland's Finance Minister Erik Jensen echoed this sentiment: "Our dream is to become an independent country. But the ambition is not to move from one country's governance to another."

Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected the possibility of US military intervention in Greenland and stressed that the island's future would be decided by the Greenlanders themselves.

International reaction

Mr Trump's remarks have alarmed many European allies. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said: "Europe will not allow any country to violate its territory." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed surprise at Mr Trump's intentions, affirming that European partners agreed to respect the inviolability of borders.

The Danish king remains popular with Greenlanders thanks to his lengthy visits to the island, including a four-month ice expedition. The Danish royal family recently changed its coat of arms to feature the polar bear, Greenland’s symbol.

"The king is very popular with the Greenlandic people and could play a positive role in the relationship between Denmark and Greenland," said Damien Degeorges, a Greenland expert in Reykjavik.

Trump’s remarks also surprised many Danes. “I find this ridiculous,” said Jeppe Finne Sorenson, a data engineer in Copenhagen. “We are allies. Such statements are disrespectful.”

Hong Hanh (according to CFR, BBC, Politico)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/dan-mach-khang-dinh-greenland-co-the-doc-lap-nhung-kho-gia-nhap-my-post329657.html