BERLIN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday that the future of Greenland is a matter solely for Denmark and Greenland to decide.
Speaking ahead of his departure for meetings in the United States, Klingbeil stressed that international legal principles apply to everyone, including the United States, according to the website of Tagesschau, the flagship news program of German public broadcaster ARD.
Since taking office again in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains authority over foreign affairs and defense. ■