Berlin, Jan 15, (dpa/GNA) – Germany on Thursday, sent troops to join a mission to Greenland, as European efforts mounted to support Denmark in the face of US demands for control over the Arctic territory.
A transport aircraft from the German military, the Bundeswehr, took off for the Danish military base at Karup, where officers from several countries were assembling before a joint flight to Greenland due for Friday.
The deployment came hours after French President Emmanuel Macron announced French troops were on the way to Greenland to participate in “joint exercises” organized by Denmark under the name “Operation Arctic Endurance.”
Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway and Finland have also confirmed their participation, but most announced they were sending only a few participants to join the mission.
The German Foreign Office said the aim of the “reconaissance” mission – which is being led by Denmark – is “to explore ways of ensuring security in view of Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic.” Some 13 German soldiers are due to participate in the operations.
Greenland, a largely autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted the attention of US President Donald Trump, who is determined to assume control of the island for security reasons despite opposition from Copenhagen and Washington’s European allies.
Following high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Denmark and the US have a fundamental difference of opinion about the future of Greenland.
Trump has insisted that only the United States can guarantee the territory’s security amid threats from Russia and China.
The reconnaissance mission appears to be an attempt by European powers to prove their willingness to defend the Arctic region and forestall a unilateral US annexation of Greenland, which Copenhagen has warned could lead to the end of NATO.
German Defence Minister reiterated the danger posed by Russia and China on Thursday, insisting the two powers are increasingly using the Arctic for military purposes, jeopardizing the freedom of transport, communication and trade routes.
“NATO will not allow this to happen and will continue to advocate for a rules-based international order,” said Pistorius. The minister added that it was crucial “that we coordinate very well within NATO, especially with our US partners, in the joint reconnaissance in Greenland under Danish leadership.”
The German Defence Ministry said Denmark requested for the German unit and other partners to travel together to Greenland on Friday in a civilian aircraft.
“From our point of view, the joint flight is a strong sign of our unity,” the statement added.
GNA