In a firm response to an idea previously proposed by President-elect Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that the suggestion of the United States acquiring Greenland is neither practical nor possible. Speaking in Paris, Blinken dismissed the proposal, saying, “It’s obviously not going to happen, so we shouldn’t waste time discussing it.”
This strong criticism from a Biden administration official follows Trump’s recent comments about potentially using military force to take over Greenland and the Panama Canal for “economic security.”
Promoting Cooperation Over Isolation
Antony Blinken also contrasted the Biden administration’s foreign policy with Trump’s “America First” approach. He stressed the importance of working with international allies to achieve better outcomes. He said, “We get better results when we work closely with our allies, instead of saying or doing things that might push them away.”
Antony Blinken highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts to maintain strong global partnerships, which he believes will benefit the incoming administration. He pointed to the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel as one of the successes under Biden’s leadership. Blinken also noted that the current efforts could lead to transformative results if future opportunities, like a ceasefire in Gaza and a better framework for Palestinian progress, are pursued.
Addressing the Ukraine Conflict
On the war in Ukraine, Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a long-term solution. Referring to Trump’s promise to end the war quickly, Blinken said, “The best possible deal must include real deterrence to prevent Russia from repeating its aggression, whether it’s in six months, one year, or two.”
Antony Blinken’s Farewell Tour and Global Challenges
Blinken’s visit to Paris is part of a farewell tour to highlight the importance of US alliances. However, the visit comes at a time of global challenges, such as political unrest in South Korea, the rise of right-wing movements in Europe, and dissatisfaction in Japan over Biden’s decision to block Nippon Steel Corp.’s purchase of US Steel.
Throughout his speech, Blinken subtly referenced Trump’s dealmaking style, which has been a hallmark of his political career. Despite the challenges, Blinken expressed hope that the next administration would build on the work done by Biden’s team, saying, “If the next administration continues this path, it will clearly benefit the United States.”
The ongoing discussion highlights the significant differences in foreign policy priorities between the outgoing and incoming administrations as the US prepares for a major shift in its global strategy.
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