US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.