Diplomatic Dance: The Controversial U.S. Visit to Greenland

A planned U.S. visit to Greenland stirred controversy. Originally set for a dog-sled race, the visit was confined to a military base due to protests. The visit's cancellation was welcomed by Denmark, amid pressure from Washington seen as an attempt to annex the territory.

A planned visit by Usha Vance, the spouse of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, to Greenland ignited diplomatic tensions. What was initially a trip to a popular dog-sled race resulted in a spat between the Danish capital and the White House. The controversy followed President Donald Trump's ongoing interest in absorbing the mineral-rich island.

The White House Tuesday announced Vice President JD Vance would head a delegation limited to visiting the U.S. Space Base in Pituffik, Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed approval, saying, 'It's positive the Americans only visit their base.' Most Greenlanders oppose U.S. annexation efforts, as shown by local demonstrations.

Planned protests comprised a backdrop to the adjustments in Vance's Greenland itinerary. Demonstrations were anticipated both in Nuuk and Sisimiut. Karsten Honge, Danish parliamentarian, attributed the shifted plans to expected protests, saying, 'They likely foresaw opposition if they attended the events.' Greenland's acting head deemed the visit provocation, amid government talks following recent elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)