On February 10, speaking to reporters at Zvartnots International Airport in Armenia, the US Vice President confirmed that the Trump administration is stepping up negotiation efforts related to the territory of Denmark. Although stating that the discussions are only in the early stages, Mr. Vance emphasized that Greenland plays an extremely important role in US national security.
According to the US Vice President's view, many NATO allies have invested disproportionately in Arctic regional security over the past time. Therefore, the US believes that their unilateral spending of huge sums of money and responsibility for protecting this vast territory should be accompanied by certain benefits.
Mr. Vance affirmed that this will be the main focus of tense negotiations expected to take place in the next few months.
Mr. Vance's latest statement was made to strengthen President Donald Trump's strong stance on the Arctic issue.
In mid-January, President Donald Trump publicly expressed his intention to control Greenland to serve security purposes and build the "Golden Dome" missile defense system. Mr. Trump warned that if the US does not act quickly, competitors such as Russia or China will jump in to take over this strategic area.
Even, the US President revealed on social media that he had reached a "future framework agreement" on Greenland after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Mr. Trump described that if this deal is successful, it would be a great victory for both the US and NATO member states.
However, Washington's ambitions are facing strong opposition from Denmark.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has repeatedly spoken out to affirm Copenhagen's uncompromising stance. She declared that Denmark is ready to discuss openly with allies on all issues from politics, security, economy to investment, but territorial sovereignty is absolutely unnegotiable.
Observers believe that tensions surrounding Greenland are not only land issues but also reflect the race to control the Arctic, which is becoming a new military and resource hotspot between the world's leading powers.
