(Dan Tri) - The leader of Greenland, the world's largest island, expressed his desire to become independent from Denmark after US President-elect Donald Trump wanted Washington to buy the island.
Greenland leader Múte Egede (Photo: Reuters).
Greenland's leader, Múte Egede, has called for the island to become independent from Denmark after US President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his interest in buying the Arctic territory.
In his New Year's address, Mr Egede stressed the need to "remove barriers to cooperation and move forward", hinting at the possibility of holding a referendum on independence.
“Our cooperation with other countries and our trade relations cannot continue to be conducted solely through Denmark,” he said. “Work has already begun to create a legal framework for Greenland as an independent state.”
Greenland Island of Denmark (Graphic: Britannica).
Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of about 56,000, has been an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1979. The island's government manages internal affairs while Copenhagen oversees foreign and defense policies.
The island has the legal right to declare independence, but concerns remain about its economic sustainability, as Greenland's economy is heavily dependent on fishing and annual subsidies from Denmark, which account for about two-thirds of its budget.
A 2016 survey found that 64% of Greenlanders supported full independence. However, a 2017 survey revealed that 78% would oppose it if it led to a decline in living standards.
Greenland's move comes after US President-elect Donald Trump said in December that "for the sake of national security and freedom around the world, the United States believes ownership and control of Greenland is absolutely necessary."
During his first term, Trump repeatedly expressed his intention to buy Greenland, calling it "a big real estate deal." Both Denmark and Greenland repeatedly voiced their opposition to this.
“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” Mr Egede said in December. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also rejected the proposal, stressing that Greenland is not a commodity on the market.
Shortly after Trump’s tweet, Denmark announced plans to increase its military presence in the region and in Greenland. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a defense package worth more than $1.5 billion to improve surveillance and security in the region. The initiative includes deploying patrol boats, long-range drones, and additional personnel to the Arctic Command.
“We have underinvested in the Arctic for many years and now we are planning a stronger presence,” said Mr Poulsen.
Greenland's strategic importance has increased due to its rich natural resources, such as rare earth minerals, and its pivotal location in the Arctic, which is becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change.
The potential for resource exploitation and new shipping routes in the Arctic has attracted global interest, particularly from Russia, China and the United States.
Greenland’s upcoming legislative elections, scheduled to be held before April 6, are expected to be crucial in determining the island’s future path. “There needs to be big steps forward… The upcoming election period needs to create new steps forward,” Egede said.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/greenland-tinh-tach-khoi-dan-mach-sau-khi-ong-trump-muon-my-mua-lai-20250104113816995.htm
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