“We’re going to take action on Greenland, whether they approve or not. If we don’t, Russia or China might move in, and we don’t want them as neighbors,” President Trump remarked to reporters during a meeting with oil industry executives at the White House.

Greenland, with its population of 57,000, is an autonomous region under the Kingdom of Denmark.

“Ownership must be protected, not leases. We’ll need to defend Greenland. If we don’t, China or Russia will,” Trump added.

Conversations at the White House have revolved around strategies to bring Greenland under U.S. control. These include potential military involvement and offering lump sum payments to Greenland’s residents as an incentive to separate from Denmark and possibly become a part of the United States.

In recent days, leaders from Copenhagen and across Europe have expressed strong disapproval in response to Trump’s assertions and those from his officials regarding a claim to Greenland. Both the U.S. and Denmark are committed NATO allies, linked by a mutual defense agreement.

On Tuesday, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement, saying only Greenland and Denmark can decide matters regarding their relations.