On Tuesday, the leaders of Denmark and Greenland formed a united front, rejecting any external claims to Greenland just one day before high-stakes talks in Washington. The rejection came as Germany warned that any U.S. move to "obtain" the Arctic island would constitute "a real unprecedented situation" in the history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a joint press conference Tuesday afternoon, delivering a firm, unified rejection of external claims over Greenland.

Frederiksen framed the stance as a matter of fundamental principle. "This is not only about Greenland or about the Kingdom. It is about the fact that borders must not be changed by force, that one people cannot be bought. And it is about ensuring that small countries should not fear large countries," she said.

"We are standing up not only for ourselves, but for the world order upon which previous generations built our democracy," she declared, emphasizing the inseparable bond within the Danish Realm.

Frederiksen then turned to address the people of Greenland directly through the cameras: "Dear fellow Greenlanders, you should know that we stand together."

Meanwhile, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said, "Greenland does not want to be part of the United States." "Our goal and desire remain peaceful dialogue based on cooperation, with respect for our constitutional position, international law, our right to our own land, and our right to self-determination," he added.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt will attend talks held in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, said Danish local media on Tuesday.

The upcoming talks occur amid sustained tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump, since returning to office in 2025, has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force.

'Unprecedented situation in NATO history'

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday that the U.S. ambition to control Greenland would constitute "a real unprecedented situation in the history of NATO and of any defense alliance in the world."

Pistorius made the remarks at a joint press conference in Berlin with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Kallas said discussions are underway among member states regarding the situation and "tools in our hands" in response to the Trump administration's ambitions. However, she did not provide further details.

Meanwhile, Pistorius reaffirmed his support for Denmark's territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasizing that Greenland's security is a collective responsibility of NATO.

He also stressed the importance of increased collective protection for Greenland within the NATO framework, noting that member states are currently discussing relevant measures.

Germany has been part of broader European backing for Denmark and Greenland's rejection of any U.S. acquisition.

Norway, Sweden voice support for Denmark

On Tuesday, the prime ministers of Norway and Sweden voiced support for Denmark following the latest consultations among Nordic leaders.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store posted on the social media platform X, saying: "Good call with Nordic colleagues tonight: We stand with the Kingdom of Denmark. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide in matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the position on the same platform, posting, "Just spoke with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, together with our Nordic colleagues. We stand behind Denmark and Greenland."

Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control of its defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.

Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force.

(With input from Xinhua)

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