Contentious Visit Comes as President Trump Doubles Down on US' Need for the Island

Contentious Visit Comes as President Trump Doubles Down on US' Need for the Island

- 

PITUFFIK, Denmark — US Vice-President J.D. Vance slammed Denmark during a visit to Greenland on March 28, saying it has not done a good job in keeping the semi-autonomous Danish territory and its people safe from incursions by China and Russia, while pledging respect for Greenland's sovereignty and asking its people to partner with the US.

He added that Washington does not have immediate plans to expand US military presence on the ground in Greenland but will invest in resources including additional naval ships.

"Denmark has not kept pace and devoted the resources necessary to keep this base, to keep our troops, and in my view, to keep the people of Greenland safe from a lot of very aggressive incursions from Russia, from China and other nations," Mr. Vance said.

Noting that Russia, China and other countries are taking an "extraordinary interest" in Arctic passageways, naval routes and minerals in the region, he added that the US will invest in more resources, including naval ships and military icebreakers.

Greenland's new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the US visit signaled a "lack of respect" and called for unity in the face of "pressure from outside".

Denmark's King Frederik X issued a statement of support on social media. "We live in an altered reality. There should be no doubt that my love for Greenland and my connectedness to the people of Greenland are intact," he said.

Mr. Vance delivered remarks during his visit to the US military base at Pituffik, which came just hours after a new broad government coalition that aims to keep ties with Denmark for now was presented in the capital, Nuuk.

He greeted members of the US armed forces shortly after his arrival, thanking them for their service on the remote base located 1,200km north of the Arctic Circle.