Trump says Greenland needs U.S. ownership, cites Russian and Chinese Arctic presence

TLDR:

• Trump says Greenland’s defenses amount to “two dogsleds” against Russian and Chinese naval presence in Arctic waters
• President insists U.S. needs “ownership” and “title” of the Danish territory, using real estate terminology for geopolitical goals
• China fired back Monday, accusing Washington of using other countries as “pretext for seeking selfish gains”
• Denmark and European allies have urged respect for Greenland’s sovereignty amid Trump’s refusal to rule out military action

President Trump intensified his push to acquire Greenland on Sunday, dismissing the island’s current defenses and invoking his real estate background to justify why a military presence isn’t enough.

“Greenland, basically, their defense is two dogsleds,” Mr. Trump said aboard Air Force One. “In the meantime, you have Russian destroyers and submarines and [Chinese] destroyers and submarines all over the place.”

The president said existing U.S. bases on the Danish-controlled Arctic island are insufficient. “You need ownership. You need title, as they say in the real estate business,” Mr. Trump said.

Beijing responded sharply Monday to Mr. Trump’s security concerns. “Countries’ right and freedom to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law needs to be fully respected,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. “The U.S. should not use other countries as a pretext for seeking selfish gains.”

Mr. Trump has not ruled out military action to acquire Greenland, angering Danish officials and NATO allies. Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned such moves would “gut NATO” and damage relations with Denmark, a steadfast ally.

Read more:

• Trump says U.S. presence in Greenland is not enough, needs ownership ’title’