Key Points:

• Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede rejects President Trump's plans to annex Greenland.
• Trump insists the US will acquire Greenland "one way or the other".
• Denmark's officials affirm Greenland's right to self-determination, dismissing Trump's ambitions.
• The comments arise ahead of Greenland's critical legislative elections.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has made it clear that the island does not wish to align its future with the United States or Denmark. This statement comes in response to President Donald Trump's recent declaration during a speech to Congress, where he expressed an unyielding desire to acquire the strategically located, mineral-rich Arctic territory, claiming the US would "get it one way or the other."

In a robust rebuttal posted on social media, Egede expressed, "We don’t want to be Americans or Danes either. We are Greenlanders. The Americans and their leader must understand that," emphasizing the autonomy of Greenlanders in deciding their future. He stated, "We are not for sale and can't just be taken. Our future is decided by us in Greenland," just six days ahead of legislative elections that address the island's quest for independence.

Trump, in his partisan address, included remarks about his objectives for Greenland while downplaying world affairs in favor of domestic issues, focusing on themes like immigration and budget cuts. He reiterated a commitment to supporting Greenland’s self-determination yet threatened, "One way or the other, we’re going to get it." He further vowed, "We will keep you safe, we will make you rich," appealing to Greenland's population.

The international community, particularly Denmark, swiftly rejected Trump's claims. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphatically stated, "The direction that Greenland wants to take will be decided by Greenlanders," and cautioned against making presumptive statements without understanding the islanders' wishes. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called for a reasoned approach, advocating for careful consideration of Greenland's future by all involved parties.

In the context of escalating US-China tensions in the Arctic, these developments arrive as climate change gradually opens new maritime routes, intensifying global interest in the region. Trump’s administration has faced criticism for its contentious relationship with European allies, and Greenland's strong stance signals a robust assertion of autonomy amidst external pressures.

As this geopolitical situation unfolds, the emphasis on Greenland’s right to self-governance has never been clearer. For more insights on the topic, visit SCMP and Channel News Asia.