UK Prime Minister says tariffs should not be used against allies in this way; Kremlin: If the annexation issue is resolved, Trump will be recorded in history

UK Prime Minister Starmer said on Monday that allies need to have calm discussions about the Greenland issue, and trade wars are not in the interest of any party. Previously, US President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Britain and other allies over the Greenland issue.

Starmer held an emergency press conference on Monday, saying that the alliance with the United States has brought security and prosperity to the UK for decades. He will work to maintain some relationships and ease the tensions surrounding Greenland, which have cast a shadow over the future of NATO.

However, Starmer said that it was wrong for Trump to threaten to increase tariffs on the UK and its European allies until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland. He emphasized that the future of Greenland must be decided by the people of Greenland and Denmark alone, and historic alliances must continue.

Starmer said, "Tariffs should not be used against allies in this way," and pointed out that the UK would take a pragmatic rather than passive approach, but he is not currently planning to escalate the tariff war.

Starmer emphasized, "A tariff war is not beneficial to any party, and we have not reached that point yet. Therefore, my focus is to ensure that we do not reach that point." Trump threatened to impose tariffs on eight countries that sent a small number of military personnel to Greenland last week, after he had repeatedly claimed he wanted to occupy Denmark's large northern island.

Starmer said that he spoke with Trump on Sunday and told him that these troops were "clearly to assess and respond to the risks from Russia." Starmer continued that he hoped this point was now "truly clear."

Starmer hinted that the UK would not retaliate against US tariffs, in sharp contrast to the EU's reaction. EU officials have discussed response plans, including a package of tariffs on $107.7 billion (930 billion euros) worth of US goods.

Starmer said these threats could lead the UK into a "downward spiral," weakening trade and ally relationships. Starmer said, "I don't want to see this happen." He also stated, "But this does not mean we will abandon our principles and values. On the contrary, we are very clear about our principles and values."

Starmer has established a solid relationship with Trump. Last May, he became the first leader to facilitate a deal to lower some tariffs. When asked if he thought Trump was really considering taking military action, Starmer said, "Actually, I don't think so. I believe this issue can be resolved through calm dialogue and should be resolved through calm dialogue."

In Paris, the Elysée announced that French President Macron will hold a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council on Monday at noon to discuss the international situation. Macron, the head of the French military, and relevant government ministers will focus on discussing the Greenland issue. They will also discuss the situations in Syria and Iran.

Notably, the Kremlin said on Monday that it is difficult to refute the experts' views that if Trump controls Greenland, he will make a significant mark in American and world history. Russian President's press secretary Peskov said that they did not discuss whether this move is good or bad, just stating a fact.

Peskov said, "Here, we may temporarily set aside the question of whether this is good or bad, or whether it conforms to international law. However, international experts believe that if Trump can resolve the issue of the annexation of Greenland, he will undoubtedly be recorded in history. Moreover, not only in American history, but also in world history. I reiterate, temporarily setting aside whether this is good or bad, but it is hard to disagree with these experts' views."

Previously, leaders of Denmark and Greenland insisted that the island would not be sold or become part of the US. The Russian Foreign Ministry said last week that it is unacceptable for Western countries to constantly claim that Russia threatens Greenland, and that the crisis around the territory exposed the hypocrisy of Western powers who boast of moral superiority.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854747252737024/

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