Trump Set to Set 25 Percent Tariff for Greenland, Danish Foreign Minister: Quite a Shock

JAKARTA - Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called US President Donald Trump's announcement on the application of tariffs for Greenland as something surprising.

Trump announced plans to impose tariffs of 10 percent starting in February on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, Saturday, January 17.

The tariff is said to increase to 25 percent and will remain in effect until the US completes the Greenland purchase agreement.

"This statement by the President is quite surprising. Earlier this week, we actually held a constructive meeting with Vice President Vance and Foreign Minister Rubio," Rasmussen said, quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, January 18.

He added that the increase in military presence in Greenland is aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic region.

"We agree with the US that more steps need to be taken, because the Arctic is no longer a low-tension area," Rasmussen said.

On Wednesday, the Danish Armed Forces announced plans to strengthen its military presence in Greenland through close cooperation with NATO allies as well as increasing training activities on the island.

Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, and Slovenia have also said they will deploy troops to the Danish autonomous region as part of Operation Arctic Endurance.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, Trump has repeatedly stated that the island should be part of the US.

Danish and Greenlandic authorities have warned Washington against attempting to take over the island, stressing their hope that their territorial integrity would be respected.