Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called for diplomatic rationality amid escalating tensions over US ambitions regarding Greenland. Speaking from Shanghai during an official four-day visit to China, Martin emphasized that “common sense needs to prevail” when addressing the controversial proposition.
The White House recently declared that military options remain available to achieve President Donald Trump’s objective of acquiring the semi-autonomous territory, prompting immediate backlash from European allies. This statement followed Trump’s weekend remarks that the US “needed” Greenland for security purposes, which Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned could jeopardize NATO’s foundation.
Martin clarified Greenland’s political status, noting it remains “part of Denmark” with the European Union standing “rock solid behind Denmark in that regard.” He acknowledged the existing US military presence in Greenland through the Thule Air Base but stressed that sovereignty matters exclusively concern the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland’s population.
In a significant show of solidarity, six European nations—the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain—joined Denmark in issuing a joint statement affirming that “Greenland belongs to its people” and only Denmark and Greenland can determine their bilateral relations. The leaders emphasized achieving Arctic security through NATO collaboration while upholding UN Charter principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly informed lawmakers the administration isn’t planning invasion but rather considering purchase options, though Martin dismissed such prospects as unrealistic.
Beyond the Greenland controversy, Martin used his China visit to advocate for strengthened multilateralism, warning that “the world is in a very difficult situation right now” due to eroded UN authority. He called for comprehensive UN reforms to enhance its representativeness and authority in global governance.