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LONDON
Denmark said its recent troop movements in Greenland are meant to address security concerns, not provoke U.S. President Donald Trump.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday that Washington has misunderstood Denmark’s actions in the Arctic territory.
He said Denmark remains committed to agreements reached during talks at the White House last week. These include plans to create a working group focused on Greenland.
“We will do that, and then we have to see what the Americans do,” Rasmussen told Danish media after meeting British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in London.
Security, Not Provocation
Rasmussen said Denmark increased its military presence to respond to U.S. security concerns. He stressed the move was not meant to challenge or pressure Trump.
“What we have done in Greenland in recent days is not to provoke the American president,” he said. “It is to meet his concern.”
Danish media reported that planes carrying Danish soldiers arrived in western Greenland on Monday. The armed forces had announced the deployment earlier that day.
Rasmussen also said national borders must be respected. He added that sovereignty and territorial integrity remain key principles.
Firm Red Lines
Speaking to Sky News, Rasmussen said Denmark and Greenland have blocked Chinese investment in the Arctic island.
“We have red lines that can’t be crossed,” he said.
He also warned that Europe would respond together to U.S. tariff threats. He said Denmark would not act alone.
“You can’t threaten your way to ownership of Greenland,” Rasmussen said. “Pressure will not achieve that goal.”
Tensions With Washington
Rasmussen made the remarks during a tour of European capitals. The talks focus on Arctic security and rising tensions with the United States.
Last week, Rasmussen met U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington.
After the meeting, Rasmussen said Denmark and the U.S. still disagree. He said Washington continues to show interest in taking over Greenland.
Trump later said Denmark could not be trusted to defend Greenland. He cited growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Tariff Threats
On Saturday, Trump announced new tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark. The tariffs would start at 10 percent on Feb. 1 and rise to 25 percent in June.
Trump said the tariffs would remain until the U.S. reaches a deal for what he called the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
European leaders rejected the threat. They expressed strong support for Denmark and stressed unity.
