US Vice-President JD Vance says Greenland is “critical” for defending the US and the world against potential Russian or Chinese missile threats. He added that Europe and Denmark have “not done a good job” securing the area.
Vance told Fox News that both under-investment in Greenland’s defences and a lack of engagement with former President Donald Trump’s proposals have left the region vulnerable.
US Considers Options
US officials are “actively” discussing a potential purchase of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. The White House said this a day after also suggesting military action as a theoretical option.
Denmark, a NATO member, has warned that such actions could jeopardize the alliance. Both Greenland and Denmark have consistently stated that the island is not for sale.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Despite its small population, Greenland’s location between North America and the Arctic makes it ideal for early warning systems against missile attacks and for monitoring naval activity in the region.
The US already maintains over 100 military personnel at Pituffik base in north-west Greenland. This facility has been operated by the US since World War Two. Under current agreements with Denmark, the US can deploy additional troops there as needed.
