"Just a few sentences eroded the trust forged since World War II. We must strive to rebuild that trust," stated Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, who frequently disagreed with former President Donald Trump, at a press conference in Nuuk, Greenland, on 9/2.

The delegation, which arrived in Greenland on 7/2, included Senator Murkowski, independent Senator Angus King, and Democratic Senators Gary Peters and Maggie Hassan. They visited the US military base in Pituffik and met with Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The group also planned discussions with Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland's foreign affairs leader.

"We have a president who has, in my view, severely broken that trust. We consider you friends and want others to see us as friends too," Senator Peters commented.

Senator King stated that based on the delegation's observations and reports from Denmark's Joint Arctic Command, Trump's claims about Russian and Chinese naval presence near Greenland are "unfounded."

King also dismissed Trump's assertion that Greenland's defense capabilities primarily rely on "sled dogs." The senator stressed that "Greenland's security and defense capabilities are robust and continually strengthening."

From left to right: Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, independent Senator Angus King, and Democratic Senator Gary Peters at a press conference in Nuuk, Greenland on 9/2. *Photo: AFP*

Since his return to the White House, Trump has alarmed European allies by repeatedly expressing his desire to acquire Greenland, a Danish sovereign territory. He cited security threats from Russia and China as justification, even suggesting the possibility of using force to achieve this objective.

Last month, Trump withdrew his threat to use force to seize Greenland. This followed a "framework" agreement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, aimed at securing greater US influence.

A US-Denmark-Greenland contact group has been formed to discuss Washington's Arctic security concerns, though specific details remain undisclosed. Both Denmark and Greenland have acknowledged Trump's security worries but stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity are "red lines" in any negotiations.

Location of the US, Greenland, and Denmark. *Graphic: CNN*

Greenland, the world's largest island, is situated near North America, between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Administered by Denmark, it has a population of 57.000 and spans approximately 2.16 million km2. Its location on the shortest shipping route between North America and Europe makes it a vital strategic point for Washington. The island also possesses rich, largely untapped mineral resources.

America's ambition to control Greenland has strained transatlantic relations, prompting European nations to expedite efforts to reduce their reliance on Washington, despite their long-standing alliance.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Xinhua)