The United Kingdom is holding discussions with NATO partners on strengthening security in the Arctic to counter perceived threats from Russia and China, a government minister said on Sunday.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the talks as “business as usual,” stressing that they are not a direct response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland.

Trump has expressed interest in negotiating a deal to acquire the semiautonomous Danish territory, citing concerns over Russian and Chinese influence. Speaking on Sunday evening aboard Air Force One, he described securing Greenland as “easier” and insisted: “One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”

Greenland, home to roughly 57,000 people, is defended by Denmark, whose military resources are limited compared with the United States, which maintains a base on the island. The Danish Prime Minister has warned that any unilateral attempt to acquire Greenland would threaten NATO cohesion.