Canadian Prime Minister Considers Sending Troops to Greenland for Military Exercises; German Deputy Chancellor Says Germany and France Agree: We Will Not Allow Ourselves to Be Blackmailed

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is considering sending troops to Greenland to participate in joint military exercises with NATO allies. Previously, US President Donald Trump threatened that unless European countries allow him to purchase and control this semi-autonomous island, he would impose tariffs on them. Two Canadian officials told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) that an emergency plan had been developed last week and submitted to the federal government.

A detachment of the Royal Canadian Air Force has already participated in a pre-planned exercise conducted by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in Greenland, but Carney is considering whether to send more troops to participate in Denmark's sovereignty exercises, which may include exercises to protect key infrastructure in Greenland.

Considering the political implications of Canada joining the European countries' actions and the possible strong opposition from the Trump administration, both sources said they are unsure about Canada's position. The sources said one of the alternatives is that a small Canadian military force might be airlifted to Greenland by the weekend if ordered.

The Globe and Mail was the first Canadian media outlet to report on this potential deployment. The sources emphasized that although the participating countries are all NATO members, participating in Denmark's exercises does not fall within the NATO framework – just like the Ukraine aid operation will eventually fall into the hands of the "voluntary alliance" led by Britain and France.

On Saturday morning, Carney stated at a press conference held in Doha, Qatar, that Canada is "concerned" about Trump's tariff threats and said, "We will always support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, regardless of their location." Carney added, "The future of Greenland should be decided by Greenland and Denmark themselves."

In addition, German and French finance ministers said on Monday that Europe will not yield to blackmail and will make a clear and unified response to Trump's threat of imposing tariffs. Trump vowed on Saturday to gradually increase tariffs on imports from European allies until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland. This move has intensified the dispute over the future of the vast Arctic island.

German Deputy Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said during a meeting in Berlin with the French Finance Minister, "Germany and France agree: we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed." French Minister of Economy and Finance Roland Lescure said at the same occasion, "Blackmailing a 250-year-old ally, blackmail between allies, is clearly unacceptable."

EU leaders will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss response measures. One option is to impose tariffs on $107.7 billion (approximately 93 billion euros) worth of US imports, which could automatically take effect on February 6 after a six-month grace period.

Klingbeil said, "We Europeans must clearly state: the bottom line has been reached. We have extended our hand, but we will not yield to blackmail."

Another option is the EU's "anti-coercion instrument" (ACI), a tool that has not yet been used, which would limit US participation in EU public tenders, investments, or banking activities, or limit service trade - the US has a service trade surplus with the EU, including digital services trade.

Lescure pointed out that although the EU's "anti-coercion instrument" is primarily a deterrent measure, it should still be considered in the current situation. He continued, "France hopes we will consider this possibility, of course, hoping that the deterrent will work." Lescure added that he hopes transatlantic relations can return to a "friendly relationship based on negotiation rather than threats and blackmail."

Klingbeil said there is no intention to escalate the situation, as this would harm the economy on both sides of the Atlantic. It is worth noting that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday in an interview that Europe's "weakness" makes it necessary for the US to control Greenland to maintain global stability.

Lescure responded, "Our goal in the coming days, weeks, quarters, and years is to show Bessent that he is wrong in a polite and firm way." Lescure admitted that Europe needs to reform to enhance its technological advantages and productivity, thereby proving its strength.

Klingbeil emphasized that the EU, with 27 member states and 450 million citizens, must strengthen itself economically, in security policy, and politically to ensure that the world no longer doubts Europe is "weak."

Klingbeil said, "What I hope Europeans can do is: when it comes to issues of national integrity and sovereignty, we must clearly raise a stop sign and declare: we will not take this path."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854752195251208/

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