Vice-President Vance, his wife to tour U.S. military post in Greenland after diplomatic spat over uninvited visit
The Hindu
U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance's visit to Greenland's military base sparks controversy amid territorial control tensions.
U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance and his wife are due to visit an American military base in Greenland on Friday (March 28, 2025) in a trip that was scaled back after an uproar by Greenlanders and Danes who were irked that the original itinerary was planned without consulting them.
The couple's revised trip to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as relations between the U.S. and the Nordic country have soured after U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that the United States should in some form control the mineral-rich territory of Denmark — a traditional U.S. ally and NATO member.
Greenland | The island of interest
Friday's one-day visit to the U.S. Space Force outpost at Pituffik, on the northwest coast of Greenland, has removed the risk of violating potential diplomatic taboos by sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. It will also reduce the likelihood that Mr. Vance and his wife will cross paths with residents angered by Mr. Trump's annexation announcements.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday (March 25, 2025) that the visit, which was originally set for three days, created “unacceptable pressure." On Thursday (March 27, 2025), she was cited by Danish public broadcaster DR as saying: “We really want to work with the Americans on defence and security in the kingdom. But Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” Initially, Usha Vance had announced a solo trip to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. Her husband then subsequently said he would join her on that trip, only to change that itinerary again — after protests from Greenland and Denmark — to a one-day visit of the couple to the military post only.
Greenland leaders lambast U.S. delegation trip as Trump talks of takeover
Nonetheless, in an interview on Wednesday (March 27, 2025), Mr. Trump repeated his desire for the U.S. control of Greenland. Asked if the people there were “eager” to become U.S. citizens, Mr. Trump said he didn't know “but I think we have to do it, and we have to convince them.” As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic value as both China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources.
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