Our friends in Denmark have not done a good job of ensuring the defense of Greenland.
This was the criticism of US Vice President J. D. Vance, who, along with his wife, Usha Vance, and a group of officials, is visiting the US military base Pituffik Space Base.
He explained that the problem lies in the fact that Denmark has simply failed to invest sufficiently in Greenland and its security. According to the vice president, this is a serious issue, as major powers are increasingly interested in the Arctic.
If the US doesn't lead, other countries are ready to do so
In his speech, he repeatedly mentioned both Russia and China, which, according to him, have a great interest in the region, both from a security perspective and because of the natural minerals found in Greenland.
"That's why it's important for the US to take a leadership role in the Arctic. Otherwise, other countries will fill the gaps where we fall behind," he said.
Vance was also asked about specific threats, but he declined to answer.
Harsh criticism of Denmark
Unlike the American president, who earlier in the day repeated his call that Greenland should and will become American, Vance took a somewhat different approach.
When one of the journalists present asked him if he agreed with Trump, he replied that when Trump says he wants to acquire Greenland, he actually means that the US should take responsibility for Greenland's security.
Vance stressed, however, that Greenland has the right to self-determination, but hopes it will choose the American "security umbrella" instead of Denmark's.
He again referred to the fact that Denmark simply cannot protect Greenland adequately.
Furthermore, he stated that he believes that Greenlanders should become independent from Denmark.
The vice president not only criticized Denmark, but also answered questions about the US military role in Greenland.
Here too, Vance was clear.
First of all, he rejected the possibility of using military force to control Greenland. Furthermore, he stated that there are currently no plans to increase the US military presence in Greenland.
However, he noted that additional investments are being made in icebreakers and naval vessels that will operate in the region. At this point, he again emphasized that "we need to wake up."
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