Trump insists the U.S. must take control of Greenland to prevent Russia or China from doing the same — an argument Beijing dismissed Monday as "an excuse" to pursue territorial ambitions.

President Donald Trump is not the first U.S. government official interested in Greenland. The first major attempt to control the island was in 1868.

President Trump argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland to prevent Russia or China from taking over, claiming Arctic territory has minimal defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions.

China has issued a sharp warning to U.S. President Donald Trump over comments and signals related to Greenland, cautioning against actions that could undermine sovereignty, regional stability, and the existing international order.

Britain is discussing with NATO allies how to enhance Arctic security against Russia and China. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Sunday that these talks are routine and not a response to U.S.

US President Donald Trump has stepped up his designs on taking over Denmark's autonomous territory Greenland, but questions abound about why he has taken an aggressive stance when the US already has extensive access to the Arctic island.

Nordic diplomats rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

Trump allies have cited the island's continued role in missile defense infrastructure, accusing Denmark of leaving it vulnerable to potential Russian and Chinese influence.