In a blunt message, US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Friday stated Denmark should reckon with the fact that “Greenlanders do not need to be part of it.”
“Denmark ought to deal with the truth that the Greenlanders do not need to be part of Denmark,” Rubio stated following a Nato international ministers’ assembly in Brussels. The comment provides a brand new edge to the continued diplomatic pressure over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory wealthy in pure sources and strategically positioned within the Arctic.
Rubio’s feedback come amid rising US curiosity in Greenland and rising issues over potential Chinese language affect within the area. He made it clear that whereas Washington respects Greenland’s proper to determine its personal future, it is not going to permit the island to fall into China’s financial orbit.
“What we’re not going to do is let China are available now and supply them a bunch of cash, and develop into depending on China,” Rubio stated, reiterating America’s strategic issues within the Arctic.
Greenland, dwelling to round 57,000 folks, has lengthy expressed a need for independence. Polls present a big majority assist breaking away from Denmark, although there’s little indication they might favor becoming a member of america as an alternative.
The strain was heightened final week when US Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland. Rubio defended the journey, saying it underscored the US place of respecting the island’s self-determination. Nonetheless, the go to was considered as provocative by each Nuuk and Copenhagen.
Regardless of the diplomatic friction, Rubio stated he had reassured his Danish counterpart of the “sturdy” relationship between the 2 nations throughout a gathering on the sidelines of the Nato summit.
