German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed surprise at comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about Greenland and Canada.
Scholz said that European partners agreed that the inviolability of borders was a fundamental principle of international law.
“This principle applies and is a foundation of our peaceful order,” the German Chancellor told media persons on Wednesday.
Discussion With European Partners
“In my discussions with our European partners, a certain lack of understanding has emerged with regard to recent statements from the USA,” said Scholz in an unusually blunt statement called at short notice.
“The principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country, regardless of whether it is to the east or west of us,” said Scholz.
Breach of Principle By Russia
The German Chancellor added that Russia had violated that principle with its war in Ukraine.
Scholz also said NATO allies would strengthen defence capabilities in coordination with each other.
“It is important that we stand together on these issues and act as one,” Scholz said.
Trump’s Interest In Taking Control Of Greenland
Trump has expressed interest in taking control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Trump refused on Tuesday to rule out using military or economic action to pursue an acquisition of the Panama Canal and Greenland.
The U.S. President-elect has also floated the idea of turning Canada into a U.S. state.
The same day, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to Greenland.
Trump also said that NATO members should spend five per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, far higher than the current two per cent target.
Trudeau Dismisses Trump’s Suggestion
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed Trump’s suggestion about possible use of “economic force” to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.
“There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,” Trudeau said in a post on X a day after he announced his decision to step down.
Elon Musk Hits Back
Reacting to the Canadian Prime Minister’s post, Trump’s biggest supporter, Elon Musk said, ” Girl, you’re not the governor of Canada anymore, so doesn’t matter what you say.”
Greenland’s PM Arrives In Copenhagen
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede, leader of a left-wing political party that supports future independence from Denmark, arrived in Copenhagen late on Tuesday on a scheduled trip.
The Greenland PM had announced before his departure that a meeting with Danish King Frederik scheduled for Wednesday had been postponed without explanation.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday that she could not imagine Trump’s ambitions would lead to U.S. military intervention in Greenland.
Trade War Not a Good Way Forward
Responding to Trump’s threat of tariffs against Denmark, Frederiksen said she did not think a trade war with the United States was a good way forward.
Island Not For Sale
Greenland leader Egede has stated that the island is not for sale, while in his New Year speech he stepped up his push for independence from Denmark.
Denmark also says the territory is not for sale, and that its fate can be decided only by Greenlanders.
Notably, Trump cancelled a planned visit to Denmark in 2019 after Prime Minister Frederiksen rebuffed his idea of the U.S. purchasing Greenland.
A Jolt To Allies
Trump’s openly stated ambition to expand U.S. control of territory has jolted allies less than two weeks before he takes power.
“There is obviously no question that the European Union would let other nations of the world attack its sovereign borders, whoever they are,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told France Inter radio.
“We are a strong continent,” Barrot said.
