American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry in the Arctic. "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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
