By Sanxuan

The US forcibly abducting Maduro has shattered the last illusion of Denmark and Greenland. Now, a single statement from the White House has plunged Europe into icy despair.

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On Tuesday local time, the White House issued a statement saying that despite Europe's reluctance, President Trump remains interested in Greenland and is discussing the possibility of acquiring the island, with some extraordinary measures also possible, such as the recent action against Venezuela.

The White House's original words were that, unless it is absolutely necessary, Trump would prioritize diplomatic means. But he is also the commander-in-chief of the US military, and using force is also a potential option.

According to sources, the "rising star" of the Trump administration - Secretary Rubio, who is about to become the governor of Venezuela, clearly stated that the president's first choice is still to acquire Greenland, which is the most cost-effective way, and also fits Trump's business background.

A secondary alternative is to reach an agreement with Greenland, specifically referencing the agreements between the United States and Pacific island countries, the core content being that the United States provides money in exchange for freedom to operate there, including military deployments.

Greenland

To put it bluntly, it's the US buying out Greenland's decision-making power on defense matters. This way, the whole deal would have nothing to do with Denmark, becoming a transaction between the US and Greenland, perhaps allowing Denmark to retain nominal sovereignty over Greenland.

However, the Greenland autonomous government refuses to negotiate with the US without involving Denmark, let alone making a deal. It's not that they are particularly loyal to Denmark; Greenland autonomy is the mainstream public opinion in the area. It's simply because they don't want to be annexed by the US.

The logic behind this is simple. According to previous agreements between Greenland and Denmark, if Greenland holds an independent referendum, it can break away from Denmark. However, if it falls into American hands, Greenland may never be able to gain independence, and it could become a frontline base for US influence against China and Russia in the Arctic region.

Sanz, who served as the US ambassador to Denmark during Trump's first term, claimed that the US must act quickly, or else Greenland might fall into the hands of China and Russia.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Sanz

She also specifically mentioned China, claiming that Chinese ships are frequently active near Greenland, aiming to conduct "economic plunder." More absurdly, she speculated that China might deploy military forces in Greenland, just like in the South China Sea.

It is evident that her political ability is hard to judge, but her imagination is undoubtedly outstanding. So far, none of the US claims regarding China and Russia in the Greenland issue have been verified, nor have any evidence been provided. All rely on unfounded speculation, essentially to justify America's territorial ambitions.

Europe also understands this point. Watching the White House accelerate its efforts, Europe no longer mentions China and Russia, but instead turns its attention to the US, with the G7 countries led by Britain, France, and Germany jointly issuing a statement reaffirming their support for Denmark and Greenland.

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But talk is cheap. Whether it can be done is another matter. After all, Europe has a history of poor performance in this regard. Europe has made many beautiful speeches, but has not offered specific solutions, such as promising to send troops to defend Greenland's sovereignty if the US uses force.

The worst outcome is that Europe may betray Greenland as it did Ukraine, while the US may treat Greenland as it did Venezuela.



Original: toutiao.com/article/7592515945986294287/

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