US Vice-President JD Vance has accused Denmark of leaving Greenland vulnerable to alleged incursions by China and Russia, as he urged the people to negotiate with the US. During a visit to the Arctic island, Vance downplayed recent threats by President Donald Trump to forcibly take over Greenland. Instead, he encouraged Greenlanders to break ties with Denmark, which has controlled the island for over 300 years, citing insufficient investment in protecting the semi-autonomous territory. The majority of Greenlanders oppose annexation, according to a January poll. Greenland’s prime minister criticized the US visit as a lack of respect, while Denmark’s King Frederik rejected the US plan. Vance visited Greenland briefly, focusing on the Pituffik Space Base and criticizing Denmark for not adequately protecting the island from foreign incursions. He reassured Greenlanders that the US would not use military force to acquire the island but emphasized the importance of partnering with the US for security. Despite Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland, Danish officials reiterated their commitment to cooperation and investment in defense. Greenlanders expressed concerns about the US visit and potential implications for their independence. Putin also acknowledged Trump’s interest in Greenland, expressing concerns about NATO’s increasing focus on the Far North. Greenland politicians emphasized the need to address the US interest in the island seriously to avoid colonization. “Ahora otro colonizador está interesado en nosotros”
Troy Bouffard, un profesor de la Universidad de Alaska enfocado en seguridad ártica, le dijo a la BBC que Trump está apoyándose en su sentido de los negocios para lograr lo que quiere en la región, en lugar de la geopolítica o la diplomacia.
“Si estás pensando en este tema solo en términos de diplomacia, te perderás en qué otras opciones podría tener EE. UU. para cerrar este trato y presionar a los actores principales para negociar o comprometerse”, dijo.
El Sr. Bouffard dijo que el objetivo final para EE. UU. es tener una “relación mucho más sólida” con Groenlandia.
Uno de los posibles escenarios podría ser eliminar a Dinamarca de la ecuación y que EE. UU. establezca una relación que reemplace a Dinamarca, señala.
El Sr. Bouffard sugirió que es posible que EE. UU. cambie la naturaleza de la relación y asuma algunas responsabilidades que normalmente corresponden a Dinamarca.
Ana Faguy contribuyó con la información para esta historia.
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