According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via social media on Jan. 21 that he has established a framework with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for a future agreement regarding Greenland. As a result, the previously scheduled tariff increases on eight European countries, set to take effect on Feb. 1, will not be implemented.
Trump met with Rutte during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that day. Following the meeting, he posted on social media that the two sides had "established a framework for a future agreement on Greenland and the entire Arctic region." If this solution is ultimately reached, it would be greatly beneficial to the United States and other NATO member states.
Trump wrote that based on this understanding, he would not implement the tariff measures originally scheduled for Feb. 1.
He stated that further discussions are ongoing regarding the "Gold Dome" missile defense system under construction by the United States, which involves Greenland. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, and others will be responsible for the negotiations. Later, in an interview with CNBC, Trump indicated that the framework agreement reached that day involves the "Gold Dome" missile defense system and mineral exploitation rights, and the agreement would be valid "forever."
On Jan. 17, Trump announced on social media that he would impose an additional 10% tariff on eight European countries opposing the U.S. acquisition of Greenland, effective Feb. 1. This move sparked strong opposition from Europe. On Jan. 21, while delivering a speech at the Davos Forum, Trump continued to apply strong pressure on European allies. He explicitly stated he would not seize Greenland by force but sought "immediate" negotiations on the U.S. "purchase" of this Danish autonomous territory. Trump claimed Greenland is a core national security interest of the United States. The U.S. does not intend, nor does it need, to resolve the Greenland issue through military means. Additionally, Trump said that day that the United States has always been treated unfairly by NATO.
Greenland is located in the northeast of North America and is an autonomous territory of Denmark. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed he wants to acquire Greenland and stated he does not rule out the possibility of using force. This has met with strong opposition from Denmark and other European countries.
On Jan. 17 of this month, Trump announced on social media that starting Feb. 1, he would impose an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. He declared that the tariff rate would increase to 25% starting June 1, until the relevant parties reach an agreement on the U.S. "comprehensive and complete purchase of Greenland."
On Jan. 18, eight European countries issued a joint statement pointing out that U.S. threats of tariff increases undermine transatlantic relations and could lead to a dangerous vicious cycle. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom jointly signed this statement.
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