Learning English

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The story

One way or another, we're going to have Greenland' – those are the words of Donald Trump who has said that the US will take control of Greenland. 

Greenland is a large island in between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, which is ruled by Denmark. Many people in Greenland feel that the territory should become independent. At the moment it has its own government, but Denmark controls its foreign, defence and security policy. 

The territory's strategic position in the Arctic has led to previous attempts by the US to purchase it. The US military currently has a base on the island, and President Trump has stated concerns that the territory could be taken over by Russia or China. These fears have been dismissed by Denmark.

These latest comments by President Trump have led to criticism from many European countries who have said that will support Denmark's attempt to keep the territory as part of the Kingdom of Denmark. President Trump has responded to these criticisms by threatening to impose taxes on imports, otherwise known as tariffs, on a number of European countries who are allies of the US. 

News headlines

Greenland is ground zero for Arctic 'Great Game'
Financial Times

Why Trump's split with Europe over Greenland is a double-edged sword for Russia
CNN

Greenland PM issues defiant rebuke over Trump’s tariff threats: ‘We will not be pressured’
CNBC

Key words and phrases

ground zero
the location where something important starts happening

• This street is ground zero for the city's latest crime wave. It all started here.

double-edged sword
something that has both positive and negative consequences

• Having a pool is a double-edged sword. It's great fun to swim in, but you have to clean it every day.

rebuke
a strong criticism

• The manager rebuked her staff after their behaviour at the party.

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