Greenland's government has firmly stated it cannot accept US President Donald Trump's desire to take control of the island 'under any circumstances', as Nato's secretary general said the alliance is working to bolster Arctic security.
In a statement on Monday, Greenland's government emphasised it is a member of Nato through Denmark, and will increase efforts to ensure its defence takes place within the Nato framework. The ruling coalition believes Greenland will 'for ever be part of the western defence alliance', and that all Nato members, including the US, have a common interest in the island's defence.
Trump has refused to rule out military force to seize the strategically located, mineral-rich territory, which is a largely self-governing part of Denmark. Denmark has pointed out that a 1951 treaty already allows the US to significantly expand its military presence, and has repeatedly said Greenland is not for sale.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday that the alliance is 'working on the next steps to make sure that we collectively protect what is at stake' in the Arctic, citing risks from Russia and China as sea lanes open up. Nato diplomats said some members have floated suggestions including a new mission, more equipment, or exercises, but talks are at an early stage.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul played down the risk of a US seizure, saying he has 'no indication that this is being seriously considered'. The EU's defence commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, warned that military force would be 'the end of Nato', and that the EU's mutual assistance clause would oblige member states to act if Denmark faced aggression.
Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, and her Danish counterpart, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, are due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday. A group of US senators, including Alaska's Lisa Murkowski, who said taking Greenland 'should not be on [the US's] list', are also set to visit Copenhagen.
