German FM says no sign of serious US military move on Greenland, despite Trump’s threats, as NATO works on Arctic security plans.
WASHINGTON: Germany’s foreign minister has dismissed the risk of a US military attack on Greenland, despite repeated threats from President Donald Trump to seize the Danish territory.
Johann Wadephul said he had “no indication that this is being seriously considered” when asked about a potential unilateral move by Trump.
“I believe there is a common interest in addressing the security issues that arise in the Arctic region,” Wadephul told reporters after meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He added that NATO is developing more concrete security plans for the Arctic to discuss with US partners.
Trump has long talked of buying or annexing the autonomous Arctic territory, further stoking tensions this week by saying the US would take it “one way or the other.”
The comments come ahead of talks in Washington between Rubio and top diplomats from Denmark and Greenland.
Greenland’s government reiterated on Monday that it would not accept a US takeover under “any circumstance.”
Meanwhile, a US congressional delegation will visit Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday en route to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons said the delegation will meet leaders to discuss “bolstering Arctic security and promoting stronger trade relations.”
Republican Senator Thom Tillis added that it is “critical that Congress stands united in supporting our allies and respecting the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland.”
Greenland and NATO confirmed they are working on bolstering the territory’s defence, a key concern cited by Trump.
The US president has repeatedly pointed to growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic as justification for taking control of Greenland.
