Danish PM rebuffs US ambitions over Greenland: 'You can't annex another country'

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the issue of Greenland's sovereignty on Thursday during her visit to the autonomous Danish region, firmly stating to the US that territorial annexation was not permissible.

Frederiksen, speaking in English, said, "You cannot annex another country."

The US-Denmark relationship has grown tense following repeated assertions by US President Donald Trump regarding his intention to acquire the Arctic island for strategic purposes.

Frederiksen commenced a three-day visit to Greenland on Wednesday, demonstrating solidarity amidst American pressure. She travelled through Nuuk via a Danish naval vessel, accompanied by Greenland's current Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and former leader Mute Egede.

According to Danmarks Radio (DR), residents warmly welcomed Frederiksen, with one enthusiastically calling out "Hey Mette! Thanks for being here."

Frederiksen emphasised the importance of unity in response to American pressure regarding sovereignty and territorial matters upon her arrival Wednesday.

"It is clear that with the pressure put on Greenland by the Americans, in terms of sovereignty, borders and the future, we need to stay united," Frederiksen said

Her visit follows US vice president JD Vance's recent controversial trip. During his time at Pituffik military base, Vance criticised Denmark's management of Greenland, prompting Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen to express displeasure at the tone of these criticisms.

Rasmussen responded on social media that "We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it's being delivered."

Vance reiterated his critiques on Thursday through Newsmax news channel, suggesting Greenland's desire for independence from Denmark.

"I think they want to be independent from Denmark, and then once they do that, we can have a conversation about the relationship we'll have with the United States and Greenland," he said.

The visit coincides with the establishment of a new coalition government in Greenland, led by the centre-right Democrats party following March elections.

Observers indicate that the majority of Greenland's 57,000 residents favour independence from Denmark but oppose US control.

Expert on Arctic territory Mikaela Engell highlighted the significance of the Danish leader's presence, while Marc Jacobsen noted the visit's importance for demonstrating support and discussing concrete responses to US pressure.

Denmark maintains openness to increased US military presence under the 1951 defence agreement.

At a NATO summit in Brussels, US secretary of state Marco Rubio reaffirmed strong bilateral relations with Rasmussen.

The Washington Post reports that the White House is evaluating the financial implications of governing Greenland and potential returns from its natural resources.