Trump says US needs Greenland, could have military access to Panama Canal

(CLO) President Donald Trump told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday that US control of Greenland is necessary to strengthen international security, stepping up his campaign to annex the strategic Arctic island.

“You know, Mark, we need Greenland for international security, not just national security – but international security,” Mr Trump told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as they met in the Oval Office of the White House.

Mr Rutte told President Trump he would leave the issue of Greenland's future to others, saying: "I do not want to drag NATO into this debate". He said it should be a matter for countries in the "polar north" because China and Russia use the sea routes in the area.

Asked directly about the prospect of annexing Greenland, Mr Trump said: "I think it will happen."

Talks between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. Photo: White House

Mr Trump has made the US annexation of Greenland a hot topic since taking office on January 20. His comments on Thursday suggested he might want NATO to join in an effort to take over the island, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.

The comments drew a rebuke from Greenland's outgoing prime minister , Mute Egede, who wrote on Facebook: "The US president has once again raised the idea of annexing us. Enough is enough."

Polls show that a majority of Greenlanders oppose joining the US, but at the same time support future independence from Denmark.

Meanwhile, on the Panama Canal issue, two US officials said on Thursday that the Pentagon is being asked to come up with military options to ensure the US has full access to the facility.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to “take back” the canal, but has not offered specifics on how that would be done or whether military action would be needed.

A document described as interim national security guidance by the new administration has asked the military to consider military options to protect access to the canal, a U.S. official said, Reuters reported. Another official said the U.S. military has a range of potential options to protect access, including ensuring a close partnership with the Panamanian military.

Cao Phong (according to WH, Reuters, DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-trump-noi-my-can-greenland-co-the-tiep-can-quan-su-kenh-dao-panama-post338478.html