COPENHAGEN, March 26 (Reuters) - Denmark has expressed relief following a recent decision by the United States to limit an anticipated visit to Greenland to just a military base. This decision comes after a diplomatic spat between Copenhagen and the White House, stemming from President Donald Trump's controversial interest in purchasing the island.
On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized a scheduled visit by Usha Vance, the wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, to a popular dog-sled race in Greenland. She labeled the visit as an "unacceptable pressure" on the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Following this backlash, the White House announced a change in plans, stating that JD Vance would lead the delegation but would only visit the U.S. Space Base at Pituffik in northern Greenland, thereby avoiding the dog-sled race, an iconic annual event.
"This is clearly a de-escalation," said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. "I think it's very positive that the Americans cancelled their visit to the Greenlandic society. Instead, they will visit their own base, Pituffik, and we have nothing against that," he added, highlighting the importance of respecting Greenland's sentiments.
Recent polls indicate that nearly all Greenlanders oppose the idea of becoming part of the United States. Anti-American sentiment has surged, with protesters donning "Make America Go Away" caps and waving "Yankees go home" banners during some of the largest demonstrations ever witnessed in Greenland. Similar protests were organized in connection with the Vances' planned visit. Greenlandic parliament member Aaja Chemnitz remarked, "I think they have misread the mood in Greenland. If they wanted to establish diplomatic ties, I think this is the completely wrong way to do it," calling the visit chaotic and disrespectful.
Concerns about a perceived "creeping infiltration" by the United States have been echoed by Ole Waever, a professor at the University of Copenhagen. He noted that many Greenlanders found the notion of American soft power operations threatening. "The credit for the positive turn must be given to Greenland... Caps off to them for that," he stated, referring to the protests that influenced the U.S. decision.
Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, expressed relief that the U.S. delegation would not visit the dog-sled race or other sites in Greenland. He stated, "I think Copenhagen is relieved that they are not visiting the sled dog race or other places in Greenland." The organizers of the dog-sled race confirmed that they had received financial support from the American consulate in Nuuk.
Since a private visit by Donald Trump Jr. to the mineral-rich island in January, President Trump has consistently spoken about the possibility of annexing Greenland, urging its residents to consider joining the United States. Recently, two U.S. Hercules military transport planes arrived in Nuuk with bulletproof vehicles on board, according to FlightRadar data. Greenland's acting head of government, Mute Egede, labeled the visit a provocation, especially as it coincided with coalition talks following a recent parliamentary election and upcoming municipal elections.
Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that the delegation aimed to learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people. However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has disputed the idea of a private visit with official representatives, emphasizing that it is essential for Greenland to determine its own future.
Greenland holds strategic importance for the U.S. military, particularly for its ballistic missile early-warning system, as the shortest route from Europe to North America passes over the island. A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark grants the U.S. the right to operate military bases in Greenland, provided that Denmark and Greenland are notified beforehand.
This situation highlights the delicate balance of diplomacy and sovereignty in Greenland, as local leaders assert their right to self-determination amidst foreign interests.
