American Attack on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
