‘We’re talking about acquiring, not leasing, not having it short-term … if we don’t do it, Russia or China will,’ US president says
By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) – President Donald Trump on Sunday argued that taking over Greenland is necessary for the US to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the strategic Arctic territory of Denmark.
“If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland, and I am not going to let that happen … but one way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One en route to Washington, DC, from Florida.
Trump said Greenland should agree to such a deal for its own security and future.
“Greenland should make the deal, because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over,” he said.
The president stressed that he is not interested in a temporary arrangement, such as leasing territory, but rather a permanent acquisition.
“We’re talking about acquiring, not leasing, not having it short-term. We’re talking about acquiring. If we don’t do it, Russia or China will, and that’s not going to happen when I’m president,” he added.
Noting the presence of US bases on Greenland, he the US needs “more than that.”
“You need ownership … You really need title.”
Meanwhile, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken on Sunday called for an enhanced NATO presence in Greenland and the surrounding areas in response to the growing presence of Russia and China.
“This would clearly show Russia and China that Greenland is part of NATO,” Francken stated during a program on Belgium’s VTM.
Francken said that he was concerned about the US threat on Greenland, adding that he immediately got in touch with the US ambassadors and told them that “this is highly problematic.”
“Greenland is not Venezuela or Iran. It is a matter of key importance for NATO’s presence,” he added.
“The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important from a geopolitical standpoint as the polar ice caps melt. There is now much more traffic.
In this regard, a NATO-led Arctic Sentry initiative could be established, the Belgian defense chief highlighted. -Anadulo Agency