Carney is concerned about US escalation over Greenland
Canada's Prime Minister declared support for sovereignty after Trump's threats to impose tariffs against eight European countries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed concern over the escalating situation around Greenland involving the United States. His statement came in Doha after the American administration announced plans to impose tariffs on eight European countries that don't support U.S. plans for the self-governing Danish territory.
Tariff Threats
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland with a 10 percent tariff starting February 1st. According to the American leader, the rate will increase to 25 percent by June 1st if no agreement is reached on a "complete and final purchase of Greenland" by America.
At a press conference, Carney emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He said Canada will always support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations regardless of where they are located. The Prime Minister noted that the country's position remains unchanged: Greenland's future should be determined by its people and Denmark.
NATO and Arctic Position
The head of the Canadian government reminded everyone that Greenland is protected by NATO and confirmed Canada's readiness to work with alliance partners to strengthen defense capabilities in the Arctic region. Carney mentioned a conversation with the NATO Secretary General in Paris 10 days ago, where they discussed strengthening the protective umbrella.
Canada's latest defense policy, published in May 2024, warns about Chinese and Russian ambitions in the Arctic. The document states that China's interests are "increasingly diverging" from Canada's in defense and security matters.
Contact with China
On Friday, Carney reported a "significant alignment" of positions with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Canada's and Greenland's sovereignty in the Arctic region. The Prime Minister informed journalists about increasing the country's military presence in the Arctic "to 365 days a year on land, at sea, and in the air."
The head of government intends to discuss his position on the Greenland issue with Trump if he meets the president at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.
American Side Statements
Trump insists on the need for U.S. control over Greenland for national security reasons, stating he will take the territory "whether they like it or not." Steve Bannon, the president's former chief strategist, said on his show Saturday that Canada is "rapidly changing" and becoming "hostile" toward America.
"Canada is in the vital national security interests of the United States. It's inextricably linked to hemispheric defense. Hemispheric defense for the United States starts in Canada," Bannon noted.
