According to a report by Agence France-Presse on June 15, French President Macron criticized US President Trump's ambition to annex Greenland during his visit to the island on June 15, and expressed "European support" for this autonomous Danish territory. The report noted that as the first French president to visit Greenland, Macron stayed on the island for six hours before heading to Canada to attend the G7 Summit. At a press conference held in Nuuk, he stated: "No one in Europe believes that Greenland can be 'bought or seized'." This remark in response to comments made by the US president received applause from the audience. Since Trump made his threat of annexation, Macron has become the first foreign head of state to set foot on this territory. The region covers an area equivalent to four times that of France, with 80% of it covered by ice. Reportedly, earlier that day, Macron emphasized that the purpose of this visit was to "express firm support for the territorial sovereignty and integrity of this territory." The US president attempted to control this largest island in the world, which is rich in rare earth metals, through all means including military methods under the pretext of "international security." The report mentioned that Macron held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Premier of the Greenland Self-Government Jens-Frederik Nielsen aboard a Danish frigate. Frederiksen told the media that this visit provided an opportunity to discuss Arctic security challenges. She emphasized her willingness to "share greater security responsibilities in the Arctic region with NATO allies." Macron also pointed out that France is prepared to conduct "joint exercises" with other southern Arctic countries to strengthen regional security and act within the framework of NATO. The report noted that the warm welcome Macron received contrasted sharply with the experience of US Vice President Vance, who visited on March 28 and caused public anger, limiting his activities to the American Pituffik military base on the northwest coast of Greenland. During his visit, Vance criticized Denmark for "not doing enough for the Greenlandic people," particularly in the economic sector, and for "failing to adequately ensure their security." Reportedly, the Pituffik base is located on the shortest trajectory between Russian and American missiles and is a key node in the US missile defense system. With the formation of new shipping routes due to climate change and the competition over rare earth resources, the Arctic has become a focal point for security博弈. Regarding mineral resources, Macron stated that Europe hopes to "accelerate progress" in cooperation with Greenland in strategic metals. Among the 25 critical raw materials identified by the EU, rare earths and graphite are both present in Greenland. Reportedly, days before the French president's visit, two French naval vessels sailed north along the Greenland coast to familiarize themselves with the Arctic operational environment. Macron announced the establishment of a consulate general in Nuuk to "get closer to the people of Greenland," and personally traveled to a small island about 30 kilometers from Nuuk to witness the impact of climate warming. (Translated by Pan Geping) Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516402533779177994/ Disclaimer: The article only represents the views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude by clicking the "thumbs up/thumbs down" buttons below.