European countries launch military reconnaissance mission in Greenland; Germany says the move is to counter the "threats from Russia and China" to please the United States
After a meeting between U.S., Danish, and Greenland officials in Washington ended with "fundamental disagreements," Europe launched a military mission in Greenland on Thursday. According to Berlin, this military operation was decided in response to the "threats from Russia and China."
AFP, Nuuk, January 15th - France, Sweden, Germany, and Norway all announced on Wednesday that they would send military personnel to the island to carry out reconnaissance missions. A French Ministry of Defense source said the mission was part of Denmark's Arctic endurance exercise.
On Thursday, the Netherlands announced that it would send a naval officer to Greenland to join this European mission. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Breukelman stated in a statement: "The security of the Arctic region (including Greenland) has strategic significance for all NATO member states."
He added: "Therefore, the Netherlands, along with other NATO countries, participates in the joint reconnaissance mission in Greenland, which is part of the Arctic military exercises."
French President Macron said on Twitter: "The first French military personnel have already departed, and more will follow shortly."
The German Ministry of Defense stated in a statement that the reconnaissance mission by NATO European countries in Greenland was ordered due to the "threats from Russia and China" in the Arctic region. The statement did not mention the United States' territorial ambitions.
The statement said, "Germany will work with other NATO partners to send a reconnaissance team to Greenland. The purpose is to assess how to respond to the threats from Russia and China in the Arctic region to ensure security."
The German Ministry of Defense said that this move "aims to provide military support to Denmark to ensure regional security, such as enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities."
He added that the "Greenland reconnaissance operation" will take place from Thursday to Saturday, with a reconnaissance team of 13 members from the German Federal Defence Forces participating.
After meeting with U.S. officials at the White House on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lek Rasmussen emphasized that Denmark and the United States have "fundamental differences" regarding the future of Greenland.
Trump said that Denmark cannot deal with the threats from Russia and China.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1854430421046284/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author."