"I know Denmark is fully willing to have more US troops stationed there. They are open to it," Mark Rutte said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte claimed in a recent interview that Greenland is willing to increase the American military presence on its territory.

"I am completely convinced that, regarding the assessment of NATO and the northern situation, we all share the same view. The United States is deeply involved and once again emphasized that, specifically regarding Greenland, I know that Denmark is fully willing to have more US troops stationed there. They are open to it," Rutte said, adding that relevant agreements already exist.

Trump's Desire to Control Greenland

Donald Trump still insists on making Greenland part of the United States "in some way," citing the numerous ships sailing near the country's northern coast, so Washington must "stay alert." "We certainly need Greenland, absolutely. We need it to maintain our defense," the president insisted.

In line with this, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Tuesday: "Acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the United States, crucial for deterring our adversaries in the Arctic." According to this statement, Trump and his team "are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal." The spokesperson added, "Of course, using the US military is always an option available to the commander-in-chief." This statement reinforced the strategic importance assigned by the US government to controlling this territory, which is currently under the Danish Kingdom.

The Island America Covets Most

Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen said: "It makes no sense to talk about the US wanting to seize Greenland. The US has no right to annex one of the three countries of the Danish kingdom."

Last Saturday, the wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Katie Miller, posted an image of a map of Greenland, colored in the colors of the American flag and labeled with "Coming Soon." Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Jensen called the photo "disrespectful" and reiterated that Greenland is "not for sale."

Subsequently, Stephen Miller himself asserted: "In order for the United States to ensure security in the Arctic, to protect and defend NATO and its interests, Greenland should obviously become part of the United States."

Will Donald Trump seize Greenland?

Greenland is at the center of a fierce diplomatic storm, although the local residents may not feel it directly.

A conflict that could be called the "mother of diplomatic disputes" has erupted due to Donald Trump's renewed sovereignty claims over the region.

A joint statement from European leaders marks an unusual moment, also indicating a new low point in transatlantic relations.

The statement almost explicitly warned President Trump to stop his actions.

"Greenland belongs to its people," the statement said, "only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide matters related to Denmark and Greenland."

The Greenlanders reacted calmly to this. They have gradually become accustomed to Trump's desire for their country. Only a few people welcomed it.

An English media outlet interviewed one of the leaders, Jørgen Boisen, while he was on his way to the capital of Greenland, Nuuk.

He hardly doubted that Trump would seize Greenland and said he welcomed it.

"He will come. You know, he has decided, and no one can change his mind. I understand, I can feel it, but I think it's not bad. It's a new opportunity for us."

However, polls show that the majority of islanders oppose Trump's attempt to annex their land.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Jensen won the election last year, and his campaign platform advocated for independence from Denmark at some future point, of course without accepting American rule.

This weekend, he issued a statement condemning the president.

Greenland's Prime Minister warned against comparing his country to Venezuela.

"Enough already," Jensen wrote.

"Stop pressuring. Stop implying. Stop fantasizing about annexation."

Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, was more direct. An action by the United States against Greenland would mean one NATO member attacking another, effectively equivalent to the end of the alliance.

But Donald Trump has never shown much respect for this alliance, and the temptation to seize Greenland might be too great for him to resist, regardless of the disastrous impact on transatlantic relations.

If he sends armed forces, even if it causes outrage in the international community, it might be impossible to stop.

The place is filled with a feeling: he may soon act.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7592761352544862783/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.