Trump warns Russia, China could take over Greenland if US does not act

US President Donald Trump argued Friday that Greenland could fall under Russian or Chinese control if Washington does not take action, Anadolu Agency reported.

"We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not," Trump said in a meeting with oil and gas executives at the White House, claiming that "because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor."

"We're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way," he added.

Trump said he is "a fan of Denmark" but stressed he would "like to make a deal" with that government.

After the Jan. 3 military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro, the US president reiterated his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland for national security purposes.