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Here’s what you need to know about Greenland and why Trump is interested in the island.
Who owns Greenland, and where is it?
Although controlled by Denmark, Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is over 3,500km away from Copenhagen and sits between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, off the coast of North America.
Source: SBS News
As the largest island in the world, Greenland is rich in natural resources.
According to the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, “there is a huge potential for oil exploitation in the waters” offshore.
Why does Donald Trump want to acquire Greenland?
“For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” he wrote.
During a press conference on Tusday, Trump provided further insight into his reasoning behind wanting to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal — both of which he has shown interest in.
After World War Two, the Truman administration suggested offering Denmark US$100 million ($160 million) for Greenland, as revealed in documents reported by Danish media.
How Denmark responds to Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland
“I don’t think it’s a good way forward to fight each other with financial means when we are close allies and partners,” she said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she didn’t think it was a “good way forward” for the US and Denmark to “fight each other with financial means”. Credit: Mads Claus Rasmussen/EPA
Welcoming US’ interest in the Arctic region during an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2, Frederiksen said it would “have to be done in a way” that was “respectful of the Greenlandic people”.
In a statement, Greenland’s government said Trump Jr’s visit was taking place “as a private individual” and not as an official visit, and Greenlandic representatives would not meet with him.
Where else has Trump set his eyes on?
In response, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said: “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and the surrounding area belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.”
“Our economy is strong. Our people are strong. We will never back down in the face of threats.”
