Greenland may become independent if its residents want, but is unlikely to become a U.S. state, Denmark's foreign minister said on Wednesday after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out force to take control of the Arctic island.

Copenhagen has been deliberating over how to respond to statements by US President-elect Donald Trump about his desire to annex Greenland, amid indications that these remarks are not merely jokes. Danish officials have reportedly received signals from Trump's advisors and allies suggesting that he is serious about his plans.

Before President-elect Donald Trump’s latest remarks, King Frederik X signaled his commitment to the territory in a decidedly old-fashioned way.