US Vice President JD Vance has accused Denmark of underinvesting in Greenland's security and demanded that Copenhagen change its approach as President Donald Trump continues to talk of taking over the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
The pointed remarks came as Vance visited US troops on Pituffik Space Base on the mineral rich, strategically critical Arctic island.
"Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said.
"You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change."
Vance said the US has "no option" but to take a significant position to ensure the security of Greenland as he encouraged the island to push for independence from Denmark.
"I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States," Vance said.
"We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well."
Revised itinerary
Vance was joined by his wife and other senior US officials on the visit to the military base, in a trip that was scaled back after an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes who were angry that the original itinerary was planned without consulting them.
Soon after arriving, Vance briefly addressed US troops stationed at the base as he and his wife sat down to lunch with them, saying that the Republican administration of Trump is very interested in "Arctic security."
The revised trip to the island comes as relations between the US and the Nordic country have nosedived after US President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that the United States should control the mineral-rich territory of Denmark, a traditional US ally and NATO member.
Friday's one-day visit to the US Space Force outpost at Pituffik on Greenland's northwest coast removed the risk of potentially violating diplomatic custom by sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation.
Initially, second lady Usha Vance had announced a solo trip to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut.
Her husband then subsequently said he would join her, only to change the itinerary again, after protests from Greenland and Denmark, to a one-day visit to the military post only.
In an interview on Wednesday, Trump repeated his desire for US control of Greenland.
Asked if the people there were keen to become US citizens, Trump said he didn't know "but I think we have to do it and we have to convince them."
Concern in Nuuk
Inhabitants of Nuuk, which is about 1,500 kilometres south of Pituffik, voiced concern about Vance's visit and US interest in their island.
Cora Høy, 22, said Vance was "welcome if he wants to see it but of course Greenland is not for sale."
She added that all the attention Greenland is currently getting is "not normal around here."
"It's all a bit crazy. Of course the population here is a bit shook up," said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen.
"My opinion is the same as everyone's: Of course you don’t do things this way. You don't just come here and say that you want to buy the place."
As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic value as both China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources.
During his first term, Trump floated the idea of purchasing the world's largest island, even as Denmark insisted it wasn't for sale.
The people of Greenland also have firmly rejected Trump's plans.
