Denmark’s top Arctic military commander said Friday that no Chinese or Russian ships are near Greenland. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed otherwise. Major General Soren Andersen confirmed vessels are in the Arctic Ocean but not close to the island.
Trump has described Greenland as vital to U.S. security and has not ruled out using force to secure it. European nations recently sent small numbers of troops to Greenland at Denmark’s request. Andersen stressed there is no immediate threat from foreign navies.
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Andersen spoke from a Danish warship in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, and said the U.S. was invited to participate in upcoming military exercises. NATO partners were also invited, but it remains unclear if U.S. forces will attend. Denmark monitors Greenland with patrol ships, aircraft, helicopters, satellites, and the Sirius dog-sled patrol for long-range Arctic operations.
Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command enforces sovereignty, conducts fisheries inspections, and performs search-and-rescue missions across Greenland and the Faroe Islands. About 150 staff maintain command, logistics, and Arctic stations. The command is headquartered in Nuuk.
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Copenhagen announced a $6.54 billion investment last year to strengthen Greenland’s defense after Trump criticized Denmark for not doing enough. Analysts say the military upgrades reinforce Denmark’s Arctic sovereignty while reducing the likelihood of conflict.