German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized newly elected US President Donald Trump for his threats to seize Canada and Greenland.
“Borders must not be changed by force. This principle must be applied and is the foundation of our peace order,” Scholz said at a press conference.
Trump has previously expressed interest in the Arctic island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. At his latest press conference at the Mar-a-Lago estate, he said he did not rule out the use of military force to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.
The US president also said on January 20 that he would be forced to use economic pressure on Canada to become a US federal state.
Scholz said that during talks with European partners there was a certain lack of understanding of statements coming from America.
“The inviolability of borders applies to every country. This applies regardless of whether it is East or West. This is the essence of what we call Western values,” the German chancellor said.
He added that NATO is a central security pillar.
On Monday, Trump made his controversial proposal on the social network “Truth Social”, saying that Greenland is an incredible place and that the people there will benefit immensely if and when they become part of the United States.
“We will protect it and guard it from the evil outside world. Let’s make Greenland great again,” Trump announced.
On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen reiterated her firm stance on the island’s autonomy.
German-American relations have been strained after a series of insults by American multibillionaire Elon Musk, who will become Trump’s adviser after January 20.
In addition to insulting Scholz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Musk has supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the general election on February 23.
