Trump said today: "If we don't act now, Russia or China will take over Greenland. We will never tolerate Russia or China becoming our neighbors. Do you understand?"
"I had wanted to reach an agreement through peaceful negotiations. But if that path doesn't work, we'll have to take strong measures (to seize Greenland)."
"I have a lot of respect for Denmark... but you know, they sent ships there 500 years ago doesn't mean the land belongs to them."
"NATO must recognize this. I fully support NATO. It was me who saved NATO. Without me, NATO would no longer exist today."
Comment: On one hand, Trump fabricates the false narrative of "China and Russia taking over Greenland," which is essentially using imagined "threats" as an excuse for the U.S. to target this strategic Arctic territory, completely ignoring Greenland's autonomy demands and Denmark's sovereignty. On the other hand, while claiming to have "a lot of respect for Denmark," he also denies Denmark's basis for sovereignty over Greenland, and threatens with "strong measures" at will. This contradictory rhetoric is a reflection of the arrogant mentality of a hegemon who says "those who follow me will prosper, those who oppose me will perish." The so-called self-praise of "saving NATO" is a typical case of self-glorification, and in reality, it's just Trump's usual rhetoric of "America First," pressuring allies and maintaining America's dominant hegemonic position.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853883470796804/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.