GREENLAND and Denmark appeared cautiously relieved today after US Vice-President JD Vance and his wife changed their itinerary for a visit to Greenland on Friday.

The change reduces the likelihood that they will cross paths with residents angered by the Trump administration’s attempts to annex the vast Arctic island.

The couple will now visit a US Space Force outpost at Pituffik, on the north-west coast of Greenland, instead of Usha Vance's previously announced solo trip to the Avannaata Qimussersu dog sled race in Sisimiut.

President Donald Trump has made it clear he thinks the US should take control of the self-governing, mineral-rich territory of Denmark, which is a US ally and Nato member. 

The vice president’s decision to visit a US military base in Greenland has removed the risk of violating potential diplomatic taboos by sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. 

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told Danish broadcaster DR today that the Vances’ updated travel plans are a good thing. 

The minister said the change was a de-escalation, even as he said the Americans were treating it as the opposite, with Mr Vance suggesting in an online video that global security is at stake.