Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirms territory’s ties to Kingdom of Denmark ahead of Washington talks
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has stated that the autonomous Arctic territory would choose to remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark rather than become associated with the United States, amid renewed American interest in the island.
Nielsen made the remarks during a joint press conference in Copenhagen with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on January 13, 2026. He said Greenland faced a geopolitical crisis but was clear in its position: “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark.” He added that Greenland does not want to be owned, governed, or part of the United States, emphasising preference for the existing arrangement within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The statement follows repeated assertions by US President Donald Trump that the United States needs to control Greenland for national security reasons, including to counter influence from Russia and China in the Arctic region. Trump has declined to rule out forceful measures, though the White House has framed discussions around potential agreements. Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of around 57,000, holds strategic importance due to its location between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans and its vast untapped mineral resources.
Why this matters
The dispute underscores tensions in transatlantic relations, particularly within NATO, where Denmark is a founding member and Greenland benefits from the alliance’s collective defence under Article 5. Danish leaders have warned that any US attempt to annex Greenland by force would end the alliance and post-World War II security order. The issue also affects Arctic geopolitics, where climate change is opening new shipping routes and resource opportunities, drawing attention from major powers.
Greenland has been under Danish sovereignty since the 18th century, achieving home rule in 1979 and expanded self-government in 2009, which includes the right to pursue independence. All major Greenlandic political parties support eventual independence, though timelines vary. Polls show strong opposition to joining the US, with only a small minority favouring it. The US maintains a military presence through the 1951 defence agreement, including Pituffik Space Base, but full control would require agreement from both Denmark and Greenland.
As of January 13, 2026, Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers are scheduled to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on January 14 to discuss Arctic security and cooperation. European leaders, including from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have expressed support for Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty. Nordic countries have voiced solidarity, while EU officials have warned of severe consequences for NATO if force is used.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated: “One thing must be clear to everyone: 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. We choose the Greenland we know today, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the situation as difficult given the US’s role as a key ally but indicated the hardest challenges lie ahead. No immediate comment from US officials on the latest statement has been reported.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
