German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has sent a warning to President-elect Donald Trump over border rules as he continues to threaten to take over Greenland.
Scholz said he met with several European leaders and the president of the European Council on Wednesday. During the discussion, the Prime Minister noted that there was “certain understanding” shared regarding “current comments from the United States.” Associated Press reported.
However, he did not mention President Trump by name, according to the Associated Press.
His remarks to the press came as the president-elect has publicly spoken out about acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory. President Trump also refused to commit to not using the U.S. military to regain control of the Panama Canal.
Scholz said it is a long-standing principle that “borders should not be moved by force.”
“The principle of inviolability of borders applies to all countries, whether they are in the East or the West, and must be observed by all States, whether small or very powerful. ” he said.
Scholz added that respect for borders is a “fundamental principle of international law” and part of Western values.
As President Trump prepares for his second term in office, the international world is bracing for what's to come.
During his first term, the president-elect considered withdrawing the United States from the important alliance NATO. At a campaign rally last year, he said he would encourage Russia to do “whatever it wants” to alliance members that don't pay for defense.
Mr. Scholz emphasized the importance of the international group, calling it “a central pillar of transatlantic relations.”
The Associated Press noted that Germany was targeted for failing to meet spending goals during President Trump's first term. He said on Tuesday that NATO should increase spending to at least 5% of GDP.
His comments were made ahead of next month's German general election. The German chancellor and Trump's key ally Elon Musk have been at odds over his efforts to influence the outcome of the election.
Mr. Scholz also emphasized the importance of countries coming together and acting together.
Despite President Trump's proposal, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said expansion “is not going to happen.” The president-elect has also pushed for a merger between the United States and Canada in recent days.
The Associated Press contributed.
