US Vice-President JD Vance says Greenland is critical for the defense of the US and the world against possible Russian or Chinese missile attacks - and that Europe and Denmark have not done a good job in securing the area.
Vance told Fox News that they had not only under-invested in Greenland's defenses, but also failed to engage with President Donald Trump's argument over the issue.
US officials are actively discussing a potential offer to buy Greenland - a semi-autonomous Danish territory - the White House said, which escalated military discussion regarding its annexation to the US.
Denmark has warned this would threaten the very fabric of NATO, emphasizing that Greenland cannot be sold.
The sparsely populated Greenland is strategically located between North America and the Arctic, making it crucial for monitoring potential threats and running early warning systems.
Vance stressed the importance of Greenland in maintaining missile defense coordination during conflicts, stating, If God forbid the Russians and the Chinese... if somebody launched a nuclear missile... Greenland is a critical part of that missile defense.
Despite Trump’s past offers to purchase the island, Denmark and Greenland have constantly reiterated that it is not for sale.
The ongoing interest in Greenland is also tied to its rich natural resources, particularly as climate change makes these resources increasingly accessible.
Leaders from various European countries have rallied behind Denmark, reaffirming the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity with respect to Greenland. They stressed the significance of resolving the strategic considerations collectively through NATO.
Comments from Greenland’s politicians reflect concerns over future negotiations, with local leaders denouncing any suggestion of annexation, positioning it as a grave affront to their autonomy.
