Trump pushes to annex Greenland, reiterating it is needed for 'international security'

US President Donald Trump renewed his push to acquire Greenland on Friday, framing the Arctic territory as essential for "international security" amid Russian and Chinese activity in the region.

"We need Greenland ... for international security. We have to have Greenland," Trump said speaking at an Oval Office ceremony for new New Jersey US Attorney Alina Habba.

Trump expanded his rationale beyond US interests, claiming Greenland's acquisition would serve "world peace" and "international security."

The president cited increasing Chinese and Russian naval presence in newly-opened Arctic waterways that "are heading right into China, right into Russia."

"Right now ... you have warships all over the place going through right along Greenland. We're not going to let that happen. We cannot let that happen," Trump emphasized. "Or if it's going to happen, we have to be protective...not only of our country but of the world," he said.

"It's not a question of 'do you think we can do without it,' we can't."

The president dismissed reliance on allies on this issue, saying: "We're not relying on Denmark or anybody else to take care of that situation."

Since returning to office in January, Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to acquire Greenland "one way or the other," despite Denmark's consistent rejections.

The autonomous Danish territory hosts strategic US military installations but has resisted American ownership overtures since Trump's first 2019 bid to purchase the island.

Trump's remarks came as Vice President JD Vance is visiting US Space Force base at Pituffik on the northwest coast of Greenland.

Originally planned as a cultural excursion led by second lady Usha Vance to observe traditional dogsled races, the itinerary was revised to focus on security matters following backlash from officials from Greenland, Denmark and the EU.