Vance Criticizes Denmark for Neglecting Greenland’s Defense

NUUK: US Vice President JD Vance has expressed concerns that Denmark is not adequately safeguarding Greenland and its residents against escalating threats from Russia and China. He encouraged the Arctic territory to enhance its collaboration with the United States.

While visiting Greenland, Vance criticized Denmark’s efforts, asserting it has failed to sufficiently protect this semi-autonomous Danish territory from incursions by China and Russia. He reaffirmed the need to respect Greenland’s sovereignty and urged its people to consider partnership with the US.

Vance clarified that while there are no immediate plans to boost the US military footprint in Greenland, preparations will be made for increased resources, including the deployment of more naval vessels.

“Denmark has not kept pace with the necessary resources to ensure this base operates effectively, to safeguard our troops, and most importantly, to protect the people of Greenland from aggressive incursions by Russia, China, and other nations,” Vance commented. However, he did not elaborate on what these incursions entail.

The Vice President noted that Russia, China, and other nations are increasingly interested in the Arctic’s shipping routes, naval pathways, and mineral resources. The US is poised to invest more in naval ships and military icebreakers to strengthen its presence in the region.

Greenland’s newly appointed Prime Minister emphasized that Vance’s visit signified a “lack of respect” and advocated for unity in confronting external pressures.

Denmark’s King expressed his support via social media, stating, “We are living in a changed reality. My deep affection for Greenland and my connection to its people remain unchanged,” according to King Frederik.

During his visit to the US military base at Pituffik in northern Greenland, Vance expressed gratitude to the stationed military personnel for their service. The temperature at the remote base was recorded at a frigid minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit (-19°C).

Vance also assured that the people of Greenland would be afforded “self-determination,” while the US would honor their sovereignty. “We hope they choose to collaborate with the United States because we are the sole nation to genuinely respect their sovereignty and security, which are intertwined with ours,” he stated.

While Vance was on his trip, President Donald Trump commented to reporters that Greenland is essential for ensuring “global peace.” Trump asserted, “We require Greenland for international security. It’s not a matter of if we can manage without it; we absolutely cannot.” He claimed that China’s and Russia’s naval presence in Greenland’s waterways was significant, insisting that the US would not depend on Denmark or any other nation to address the situation.

Trump further emphasized that Denmark and the European Union should grasp Greenland’s strategic importance for global stability, adding, “If they fail to recognize this, we’ll have to clarify it.” The US delegation included Vance’s spouse, Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

The initial itinerary for the trip involved Vance’s wife participating in a dog-sled race, although she was not officially invited by Greenlandic or Danish authorities. However, due to public protests and backlash from officials in both Greenland and Denmark, the US delegation restricted their visit to the military base, forgoing public engagements.

According to a 1951 agreement, the US has the right to access its base at will, provided it informs Greenland and Copenhagen. Pituffik is strategically located along the quickest route between Europe and North America and is crucial for the US ballistic missile detection system.

Greenland, whose capital is geographically closer to New York than to Copenhagen, is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas. However, development in the sector has lagged, with limited US investment, while the majority of mining firms in the region are Australian, Canadian, or British. A White House official remarked that Greenland possesses substantial rare earth minerals crucial for the future of the US economy.

New Government

Greenland’s new Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, urged political solidarity.

“In these challenging times, we must unite as a people,” Nielsen said during a press conference.

His party, the Democrats, which advocates for a gradual independence from Denmark, won the largest share in the elections held on March 11.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who had previously referred to the initial plans for the US visit as “unacceptable,” congratulated Greenland’s new government via an Instagram post, expressing her anticipation for close cooperation during these unnecessarily conflict-ridden times.

Andreas Oesthagen, a senior expert on Arctic policy and security at the Oslo-based Fridtjof Nansen Institute, remarked that the key point is how far Trump is willing to push his agenda regarding Greenland.

“It remains improbable that the US will resort to military intervention,” he told Reuters. “However, it is regrettably likely that President Trump and Vice President Vance might pursue other pressures, such as vague statements, semi-official visits to Greenland, and economic strategies,” he added.

‘Not for Sale’

By adjusting the visit, the Trump administration aims to redirect the conversation towards key matters: the US military presence in Greenland, military readiness, and Arctic security, according to Catherine Sendak, head of the Transatlantic Defense and Security program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based think tank.

“A shift in approach was essential,” Sendak told Reuters.

Nonetheless, some residents in Nuuk hold resentment towards the Trump administration leading up to Vance’s arrival.

“I am a human being. We are not for sale,” declared Tungutaq Larsen, a filmmaker speaking to Reuters.

Polls indicate that nearly all Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States. Massive demonstrations, with anti-American sentiment displayed through “Make America Go Away” hats and “Yankees Go Home” banners, have marked some of the largest protests ever seen in Greenland.

In a strong statement, residents of Nuuk also planted Greenlandic flags in the snow next to a sign that read, “Our Land. Our Future.”