【By Observer Times, Chen Sijia】 Recently, US President Trump once again mentioned Greenland, claiming that the US "absolutely" needs Greenland, causing tension in Denmark and other European countries. Europe is worried that after the US attacked Venezuela, the Trump administration might "repeat the same tactics" and take action against Greenland.

On January 5th local time, the White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller gave an interview with CNN, defending Trump's remarks, claiming that Greenland "should become part of the United States." He relied on the US military strength to threaten Denmark, saying "no one would engage in a military confrontation with the US over Greenland."

Miller said: "The President has clearly stated for months that the US should incorporate Greenland into our entire security system. Since the start of this administration, the US government's position has always been that Greenland should become part of the US, which can even be traced back to the first term of the Trump administration. The President's statements are very clear, this is the official position of the US government."

He claimed that the US is the main military power of NATO, controlling Greenland is to "ensure the maximum interests of all relevant parties," "in order to ensure the security of the Arctic region, protect and defend NATO and its interests, Greenland obviously should become part of the United States."

When asked if it was possible to rule out the possibility of the US using military force, Miller publicly questioned Denmark's sovereignty: "What right does Denmark have to claim control over Greenland? What basis do their territorial claims have?" He claimed that there is no need to discuss the issue from the perspective of military action, "no one would engage in a military confrontation with the US over the future of Greenland."

White House Chief of Staff Miller (right) gives an interview with CNN, screenshot

Previously, Miller's wife Katie Miller posted a map of Greenland painted in the colors of the American flag on social media on January 3rd local time, accompanied by the uppercase English word "SOON" (meaning "soon"), which caused dissatisfaction from Denmark and Greenland.

Danish Ambassador to the US Sorensen commented on Katie Miller's post on social media. He said that the US and Denmark are close allies, both members of NATO, and Denmark also highly values the security situation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. Sorensen addressed Katie Miller, saying: "We hope that the territorial integrity of Denmark will be fully respected."

After Trump returned to the White House, he repeatedly publicly expressed his intention to "take over" Greenland and tried to interfere in Greenland affairs. On December 21st last year, Trump appointed the Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, as the US Special Envoy to Greenland. When thanking Trump, Landry also expressed support for incorporating Greenland into the US.

After the US attacked Venezuela, Trump again mentioned the issue of Greenland in public. On January 4th local time, Trump told a US magazine "The Atlantic" that "we do indeed need Greenland, absolutely need it." On January 5th, Trump said on Air Force One that he would discuss the issue in a few weeks.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and is the world's largest island. As a strategic location between Europe and North America, Greenland is a key base for US missile defense and space surveillance missions. The island also has rich mineral resources, with considerable reserves of oil and natural gas on land and offshore, which aligns with the US strategy of "reducing dependence on China."

Trump's latest moves have caused alarm in Denmark and other European countries, who are worried that the US may take action against Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen urgently spoke out, urging Trump to stop threatening to annex Danish territory. In a statement, she said, "It makes no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland," "the US has no right to annex any part of the Kingdom of Denmark."

Greenland's autonomous government prime minister, Kim Kielsen, wrote on social media: "Threats, pressure, and discussions about annexation have no place among allies." Kielsen criticized Trump's remarks as "completely unacceptable," saying, "Enough, stop fantasizing about annexation."

The EU has expressed support for Denmark and Greenland. A French Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Pascal Koneffler, said that Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and Denmark, and should be decided by them. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that Greenland is "undoubtedly" part of Denmark, and Europe stands united on this issue.

EU Commission spokesperson Anita Hipe said that Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and any change in its status should be decided by Greenland and Denmark themselves.

This article is exclusive to Observer Times, and without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7592167890128749065/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.