Tensions rose Friday as Denmark became the target of President Donald Trump’s scrutiny. The Trump administration is now pointing to what they describe as Copenhagen’s failure to protect Greenland from Russian and Chinese influence.

During a visit with American troops at the U.S.’s Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland, Vice President Vance emphasized the importance of ensuring Greenland’s safety.

Vance suggested a future scenario where Greenlanders, exercising their right to self-determination, choose independence from Denmark. He envisioned subsequent discussions with Greenland’s representatives, adopting a more moderate tone compared to Trump’s earlier remarks.

The vice president was responding to reporters’ questions about Trump’s potential actions to acquire Greenland, despite resistance within the nation to becoming part of the U.S., an ambition Trump has previously expressed.

“Military intervention is not on the table,” Vance asserted. “We believe that through rational and mutually beneficial negotiations, a ‘Donald Trump-style’ deal can be reached, securing both Greenland’s safety and the interests of the United States.”

Vance stated that Russia and China have been operating largely unhindered in the region, encroaching on Greenland due to inadequate protection from Denmark.

While Greenland is autonomous, it remains a territory of Denmark, which oversees its security.

Greenland currently lacks its own military and, upon leaving Denmark, would lose NATO protection, requiring a formal application for membership as an independent nation.

“Russia and China’s pursuit of their security interests has expanded. They are acting in what they perceive to be their best interests,” Vance explained. “The United States must also act in its own interest, which is to ensure Greenland’s security.”

“If Greenland’s future is dictated by the Chinese Communist Party, it will not improve the lives of its people and, more importantly, will significantly weaken American and global security,” he warned.

Vance expressed his preference for Greenland to possess American weaponry rather than Chinese and anticipated a partnership following a vote for independence from Denmark.

While Greenlanders have expressed interest in a partnership with Washington, potentially involving fishing lane access in exchange for defense guarantees, Trump has indicated a greater interest in the nation’s rare earth minerals and energy resources.

However, Greenland, with its environmental concerns, has previously prevented the EU from accessing these resources.

“When the President emphasizes the need for the U.S. to have Greenland, he is highlighting the island’s vulnerability,” Vance explained. “Many actors are interested and actively involved.”

“Our message is straightforward: Greenlanders will have self-determination,” he continued. “We hope they choose to partner with the United States.”

“We are the only nation that will truly respect their sovereignty and security, because their security is inextricably linked to our own,” Vance concluded.

“`