“We plan to take action on Greenland, regardless of their stance. If we don’t, Russia or China might take control, and we cannot allow them as neighbors,” President Trump declared at the White House during a meeting with oil industry leaders.

Greenland, home to 57,000 people, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

“Ownership is what you defend, not leases. We will need to protect Greenland. If we don’t, China or Russia will step in,” Trump emphasized.

Discussions have been underway between Trump and White House officials about ways to bring Greenland under U.S. influence. These plans include deploying U.S. military resources and offering financial incentives to Greenland’s residents to encourage them to separate from Denmark and consider joining the United States.

Recent remarks from Trump and other White House representatives, suggesting a U.S. claim over Greenland, have been met with criticism by leaders in Copenhagen and across Europe. Both the U.S. and Denmark are NATO allies, committed to a mutual defense agreement.

On Tuesday, a coalition of countries including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Denmark released a joint statement affirming that decisions about Greenland’s future are solely the prerogative of Greenland and Denmark.