Britain is discussing with NATO allies how to help strengthen Arctic security to counter threats from Russia and China, a government minister said on Sunday.
Transportation Secretary Heidi Alexander said talks were “business as usual” and not a response to questions U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats take over Greenland.
Trump said on Friday he hoped Agreement to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous region NATO ally Denmarkto prevent Russia or China from taking it over.
“Whether they like it or not, we’re going to do something in Greenland,” Trump said on Friday.
Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, is defended by Denmark, but its military strength pales in comparison to that of the United States, which has a military base on the island. Danish Prime Minister warns A takeover would threaten NATO.
Alexander said Britain agreed with Trump that Russia and China were becoming increasingly competitive in the Arctic Circle.
“While we have not seen dire consequences like that in Ukraine, it is very important that we do everything we can together with all NATO allies to ensure that we have an effective deterrent against (Russian President Vladimir) Putin in the region,” Alexander told the BBC.
Former British Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson fired last year He said he did not think Trump would seize Greenland by force because of his friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
“He’s not a fool,” Mandelson said. “We all have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs protection against China and Russia. If you ask me who is going to lead that protection, we all know it’s going to be the United States, right?”
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has suggested Britain offer to deploy troops to Greenland under a joint command with Denmark.
“If Trump were serious about security, he would agree to participate and back down from his outrageous threats,” David said. “Tearing apart the NATO alliance will only serve Putin’s interests.”
It’s not clear yet How will the remaining NATO members respond? Whether the United States decides to take control of the island by force or whether they will send aid to Denmark.