Copenhagen, Jan 14 (V7N) — Greenland has firmly rejected renewed interest from the United States in taking control of the island, stating that it would choose to remain with Denmark rather than align with Washington if compelled to make a decision.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made the remarks at a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, responding to recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland’s strategic importance.

“If a decision had to be made today, Greenland would choose Denmark, not the United States,” Nielsen said, underscoring Greenland’s political position amid growing geopolitical debate.

President Trump recently reiterated his claim that the United States needs ownership of Greenland to counter potential threats from Russia and China. While the White House has previously offered to purchase the Arctic island, it has also not ruled out the use of force, a stance that has alarmed European leaders.

Denmark, a NATO member, responded strongly to the remarks. Prime Minister Frederiksen warned that any use of military force over Greenland could seriously undermine the trans-Atlantic defense alliance, calling such a move unacceptable among allies.

Despite being one of the world’s least populated regions, Greenland holds immense strategic military significance due to its location between North America and the Arctic. The island plays a crucial role in missile early-warning systems and Arctic shipping surveillance.

More than a hundred US troops are currently stationed at the Pitufik Space Base in northwest Greenland, which the United States has operated since World War II. Existing agreements also allow for the deployment of additional US forces if required.

However, Greenland’s leadership has reiterated that the island does not seek US ownership or rule, emphasizing its commitment to self-determination within its existing political framework.

Observers say the evolving positions of the United States, Denmark, and NATO over Greenland point to the emergence of a new geopolitical tension in the Arctic region.

END/SMA/AJ