The Prime Minister of Greenland declared that Greenland does not want to be part of the United States, and at this moment, they choose to side with Denmark over the U.S.
Foreign news agencies reported on 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7 that Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Prime Minister of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, said his people would choose Denmark over the U.S. if asked to decide "at this moment."
Nielsen's statement in a joint press conference with the Danish Prime Minister marks the firmest stance from Greenland's leadership since U.S. President Donald Trump revived plans to incorporate the territory into the United States.
Previously, Trump said the U.S. needed to "own" Greenland to prevent aggression from Russia and China. The White House proposed buying the island but did not rule out using military force to annex the territory.
Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, also a NATO member like the U.S., condemned the "completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally" and warned that many signs indicate "the most challenging part still lies ahead."
The Greenlandic Prime Minister said they are "facing a geopolitical crisis," but the island's position is clear: "If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark at this moment, we choose Denmark."
"One thing everyone must be clear about is that Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States," said Nielsen.
Greenland is the world's largest island, covering about 2.17 million square kilometers—roughly four times the size of Thailand—but with a sparse population of around 57,000. Located between North America and the Arctic, it is a strategic point ideal for early-warning missile systems and monitoring ships in the region.
Trump repeatedly emphasized that Greenland is crucial to U.S. national security, claiming without evidence that the area is "full of Russian and Chinese ships everywhere."
Currently, the U.S. has about 100 permanent military personnel stationed at Pituffik base in the island's far northwest, a base operating since World War II. Under agreements with Denmark, the U.S. can deploy as many troops to Greenland as needed.
However, Trump told reporters in Washington last week that the lease agreement is insufficient. The U.S. "needs to have ownership," and "NATO must understand this."
. Foreign news coverage:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc