President Donald Trump has called for immediate negotiations on the acquisition of Greenland, insisting during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the move was necessary for both US and global security.

He argued that only the United States had the capacity to adequately protect the Arctic territory and said this was why Washington was seeking talks with Denmark, adding that a strong and secure America would ultimately strengthen NATO.

The US president, however, said he had no intention of using military force against Denmark, despite describing the United States as possessing overwhelming strength.

He maintained that force was unnecessary and undesirable, even as he criticised Europe’s economic direction and trade policies, and reiterated doubts about whether NATO allies would come to America’s aid if required.

President Trump’s comments have drawn sharp reactions from European leaders and Canada, with calls for diplomacy, warnings about threats to the global order, and renewed support for Greenland’s sovereignty.