Denmark Warns US Move on Greenland Would Spell End of NATO, Dismisses Chinese Footprint Claims — Rasmussen
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has warned that any attempt by the United States to acquire Greenland without Denmark’s consent would amount to the collapse of the North Atlantic alliance. Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Rasmussen said such a scenario would be unacceptable, stressing that while Copenhagen shares Washington’s concerns over Arctic security, sovereignty and the will of the Greenlandic population are non-negotiable. “That would be the end of NATO,” he said when asked whether the US might seek to take control of the autonomous territory against Denmark’s wishes.
Rasmussen, who recently met US Vice President JD Vance in Washington, underlined that Denmark recognizes the growing strategic importance of the Arctic but rejected the idea that Greenland could be treated as a tradable asset. “This is 2026. You trade with people, but you don’t trade people,” he said, emphasizing the rights of Greenland’s inhabitants. He also firmly dismissed claims of a Chinese footprint on the island, noting that there have been no Chinese warships in the area for years and no Chinese investments in Greenland. He added that, during his time as prime minister, he personally blocked Chinese infrastructure projects to prevent Beijing from gaining influence there.
The foreign minister further argued that Greenlanders would neither support independence under current conditions nor accept a transfer to US governance, pointing to the extensive welfare and social services provided by Denmark. Despite the firm stance, Rasmussen confirmed that Copenhagen and Washington agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore cooperation that respects Denmark’s territorial integrity while addressing US President Donald Trump’s ambitions. He also highlighted Denmark’s commitment to regional stability, citing nearly $8 billion invested last year to strengthen Arctic capabilities and ensure the region does not become an area of heightened tension.
