Over 500 demonstrators took to the streets in protest against US President Donald Trump’s ambitions to control Greenland, following the inauguration of the new premises of the US consulate in Nuuk, according to BBC.
Protesters waved Greenland’s red-and-white flags late on Thursday, chanting slogans such as “Go Home USA,” “Make America Go Away!” and “We are not for sale.”
Greenland
Greenland represents an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Through its own parliament and administration, the island governs itself, while Copenhagen continues to oversee foreign affairs and defense.
Trump has recently intensified his push for Greenland’s annexation, claiming that the Arctic territory should join the United States.
Greenland’s strategic location between Europe and North America makes it a critical site for the US ballistic missile defense system.
Moreover, the island’s rich mineral reserves align with Washington’s broader goal of decreasing reliance on China.
US National Security
Trump argued that securing the mineral-rich island is vital to US national security as Russia and China are increasing their military activity in the Arctic.
“We’re not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. That’s what they’re going to do if we don’t. So, we’re going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way,” Trump added.
In recent years, both nations have increased military operations in the Arctic. However, neither has staked a claim to the vast icy island.
New Consulate Premises
The United States has formally inaugurated its new consular premises in central Nuuk during a ceremony attended by US Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery.
During the inauguration ceremony, Howery told attendees that Trump has rejected the idea of using force to assert control over Greenland, stressing that the island’s future would ultimately be determined by the Greenlandic people themselves, according to Greenlandic broadcaster KNR.
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