Copenhagen [Denmark], March 30: Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on Saturday responded to criticism of Copenhagen's policy on Greenland made by US Vice President JD Vance during a visit to the Arctic territory.
"This is not how you speak to close allies," Rasmussen said in a rebuke to Vance on X amid the US administration's increasingly aggressive stance on Greenland.
He was referring to comments Vance made during a speech to US soldiers at the US base in Pituffik in north-western Greenland.
Vance alleged that Denmark - which formally controls Greenland - was doing too little for the island's security given the threat from Russia and China in the region.
"Of course we are open to criticism," Rasmussen said. "But to be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it's being delivered." Although he addressed his words to "our American friends and all others who are listening," he was clearly referring to Vance's speech.
Vance lashed out at Denmark during a prepared speech at the base, saying it has "underinvested" in the semi-autonomous territory's people and security.
"Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," he said.
"You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people." "That has to change. Because it hasn't changed, this is why President [Donald] Trump's policy in Greenland is what it is." Vance said "Denmark has not kept pace" with military spending that would keep the base, US troops and the people of Greenland "safe from a lot of very aggressive incursions from Russia, from China and from other nations."
President Trump has said he wants to bring the resource-rich island under Washington's control "one way or the other," a move that sparked indignation from leaders in Greenland and Denmark.
Rasmussen also offered to hold talks on a stronger US military presence on Greenland.
The joint defence agreement of 1951 offers ample opportunities for this, he said. "If that is what you wish - then let us discuss it." He described how the US significantly scaled back its military presence on the island since 1945. "We can do more. Much more within the framework we have," said Rasmussen.
Specifically in response to Vance's criticism of Copenhagen, he replied: "The fact is that we have all been harvesting the peace dividend. We all acted on the assumption that the Arctic was and should be a low tension area." "But that time is over. Status quo is not an option," he added.
Denmark has already decided to invest $1 billion in Arctic security, Rasmussen said.
It should also not be forgotten that Greenland is part of NATO, he added.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered outside the US embassy in the capital Copenhagen on Saturday to protest against what they called US ambitions for a Greenland takeover, Danish broadcaster TV2 reported.
Demonstrators voiced their opposition with slogans and signs that read: "Greenland not for sale" and "Back off, USA!"
Source: Qatar Tribune
