US Secretary of State Rubio: We are determined to purchase Greenland
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump is "not joking" about purchasing Greenland and that incorporating the island into US territory aligns with the country's national interests.
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Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show on Sirius XM, Rubio evaluated President Trump's remarks regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal, which have remained on the agenda, signaling that they should be brought under US protection.
Stating that Trump is determined to purchase the island and does not rule out the scenario of using military force if necessary, Rubio said, "This is not a joke. The incorporation of Greenland into US territory is a matter of our national interest and needs to be resolved as soon as possible."
Rubio noted that the Arctic will soon reach a position of importance for shipping routes, adding that the US must take action against the risk of "China increasing its presence in this region."
"WE WILL NOT ALLOW IT"
Arguing that China's influence over the Panama Canal poses a "risk" to US national interests, Rubio said that Chinese companies are in positions where they could control both the entry and exit points of the canal.
Secretary Rubio stated, "If China wants to block traffic in the Panama Canal, it can easily do so. This is a situation that is completely contrary to our national interests."
Stating that the possibility of the Panama Canal, which they paid for during its construction and played a significant role in building, being used as a "trump card" against the US is a "risk" to the country's national security, Rubio said, "The reality is that we cannot allow any foreign power, especially China, to hold this kind of potential control over the Panama Canal."
Rubio also mentioned that American ships using the Panama Canal sometimes pay higher fees than those paid by other countries, stating that this situation conflicts with national interests.
TRUMP'S INTEREST
In a post on his Truth Social account on December 23, 2024, Trump reiterated his rhetoric that Greenland should be under US control, arguing that possessing ownership and control of the island is an "absolute necessity."
Since taking office with his inauguration on January 20, Trump has periodically brought up his interest in the island, claiming that all of the approximately 57,000 citizens living in Greenland are eager to join the US.
Regarding the "taking back the Panama Canal" issue, which he frequently brings up, Trump stated, "China is operating the Panama Canal. We didn't give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and we are taking it back."