The Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS), one of the Nordic nation's two key intelligence organizations, stated in an assessment published on 10/12 that the United States increasingly prioritizes its own interests. The assessment highlighted the US's growing interest in Greenland, the world's largest island under Danish sovereignty, amid escalating superpower competition in the Arctic region. This assertive approach, coupled with the use of economic and technological power as a tool of influence with both allies and partners, makes the United States a "potential security threat to Denmark", the DDIS stated.

Greenland's location. *Graphic: Britannica*

The DDIS explained that the United States uses economic power, including threatening high tariffs, to achieve its goals and does not even rule out military measures against allies.

Despite concerns about the US, DDIS still assesses that Russia and China are the primary security risks facing Denmark, with the regional situation becoming more serious. According to DDIS, the Baltic Sea is the area with the highest risk of military confrontation between Russia and NATO. Furthermore, uncertainty about the US's role as Europe's security guarantor increases the risk of Russia escalating hybrid attacks against NATO, while China continues to use economic and military leverage, challenging Western influence.

Hybrid attacks refer to a form of warfare combining various methods, from political and military to cyber warfare.

The United States, Russia, and China have not commented on DDIS's assessment.

The Danish patrol vessel Lauge Koch docked at Nuuk port, Greenland, on 8/2. *Photo: Reuters*

Danish intelligence issued this assessment after President Donald Trump repeatedly stated his desire for the United States to control Greenland. These statements caused tension between the two NATO member nations, with Trump even leaving open the possibility of the United States controlling the island by military means.

Greenland lies near North America, between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The island has a population of 57,000 and an area of approximately 2,16 million km2, making it larger than Mexico and more than three times the size of the US state of Texas. Its position on the shortest route from North America to Europe makes it a strategically important location for the United States. Greenland also possesses abundant mineral resources, most of which remain untapped.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)