PARIS: Denmark has issued a stern warning to the United States after comments by a US official that were interpreted in Copenhagen as an endorsement of a more aggressive posture toward Greenland. The remarks, which referenced a “shoot first, ask questions later” stance in connection with strategic interests in the Arctic territory, provoked swift diplomatic pushback from Danish authorities.
Officials in Denmark stressed that Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is not subject to external threats that warrant the kind of rhetoric used by the US representative. They urged Washington to exercise greater caution in its language and to respect Greenland’s status and right to self‑determination, especially as global powers increase their focus on the Arctic region.
The dispute highlights growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where melting ice has opened new maritime routes and access to natural resources, drawing attention from major powers including the United States, Russia and China. Greenland’s strategic position and vast untapped resources have made it a focal point for security and economic interests, intensifying discussions about defence, development and collaboration in the High North.
Denmark’s response underscored that any security concerns involving Greenland should be addressed through diplomatic channels and within the framework of existing alliances. Copenhagen reaffirmed that it values its long‑standing defence partnership with the United States but made clear that provocative language linking Greenland to military action is unhelpful and unnecessary.
The incident has sparked debate in both Danish and international political circles about how Arctic policy is communicated and pursued, with commentators noting the need for careful alignment between rhetoric and official policy in a region of rising strategic importance.
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