US Vice President takes responsibility for Mr. Trump in Europe?

Not only will he go to Poland to replace Mr. Trump as planned, Mr. Pence also plans to visit three countries: Ireland, the UK, and Iceland from September 3 to 7. It is clear that the responsibility of the US Vice President is not easy with a series of issues to discuss, such as supporting the UK in the Brexit issue or smoothly handling the controversial "Arctic strategy".

Soft to press - Hard to let go

There was a slight change in the itinerary after Vice President Mike Pence concluded his visit to Poland last weekend. He and his delegation were seen landing at Ireland’s Shannon Airport, where they were scheduled to meet with the country’s Prime Minister and President. This means that Pence has moved his visit to Ireland ahead of his other two stops, the UK and Iceland. Of course, the focus in both the UK and Ireland will certainly be Brexit and the most amicable way for the UK to leave the European Union (EU) peacefully. What the US could support, beyond the post-Brexit free trade agreement that President Donald Trump has promised the British government, is what the US could do.

US Vice President Mike Pence and his important visit to Europe. Source: Reuters

It should be recalled that the UK and the European Union (EU) are still stuck on the "cornerstone" of the Brexit deal agreed between the EU and former British Prime Minister Theresa May.

However, current British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is seeking to renegotiate this Brexit deal, especially the backstop plan to avoid the possibility of re-establishing a hard border on the island of Ireland, between the British territory of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

For his part, European Commission (EC) President Jean-Claude Juncker said he would consider any proposals the British leader made on the issue of supporting Northern Ireland, but still emphasized that the bloc's support for the Republic of Ireland is steadfast and unchangeable.

Of course, Mike Pence knows this! This is also the reason why he is making his first visit to Ireland since becoming Vice President. But it is worth noting that before becoming Vice President, Pence visited Ireland many times. Simply because this American politician is of Irish descent and recently wrote a tweet praising the country that is very close to his heart. Therefore, this visit is also an opportunity for Pence to celebrate and remember his roots.

Perhaps, in addition to tough measures and statements, Vice President Pence also knows how to use “soft weapons” as he always does to appease America’s allies and partners after each controversial move of President Trump. This time too, more or less, the closeness and similarity will most likely help Mr. Mike Pence find a solution to the Brexit issue, which has always been a sticking point between Ireland and the UK!

THE ARCTIC WAR

Public opinion has recently been particularly interested in US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he wants to buy Greenland, which was flatly rejected by Denmark. This development has also caused diplomatic relations between the two allies to become particularly tense.

The US Arctic strategy is one of the focuses of Vice President Mike Pence's tour of Europe. Pictured: Russian oil tanker off the Arctic coast. Source: Gazprom

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the proposal to sell Greenland absurd and ridiculous; and Mr. Trump felt offended by this criticism. In such a context, it is not difficult to understand why Vice President Mike Pence chose to visit Iceland! Denmark and Iceland have a close political and economic relationship. Not only Denmark, Iceland, although a small island nation with a population of only about 350,000 people, has close relations with many Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway.

Already having tensions with Denmark, the US certainly cannot "provoke" Iceland if it does not want Washington's strategic plans in the Arctic region to be affected.

Looking back over the past few years, global temperatures have increased, and the phenomenon of ice melting in the Arctic has become more and more frequent. Inevitably, many mineral potentials that were once buried deep in the Arctic are now gradually being revealed. The “big guys” like Russia and China certainly cannot sit still in the race to “seize a share” in this geostrategic region.

It should be noted that there are five countries around the Arctic Circle, including Russia, Canada, Norway, Denmark (via Greenland), and the United States (via Alaska), which enjoy certain strategic benefits. However, the United States believes that Russia is increasing its presence strongly, while China, although “not involved” in the Arctic, is also actively appearing there, affecting the national security interests of the United States.

Specifically, according to the recent report on Arctic Strategy submitted by the Department of Defense to the US Congress, Russia is establishing new military units, renovating old airports, and building military bases along the country's northern coast. Meanwhile, China has integrated economic activities in the Arctic region into its "Belt and Road" initiative.

US Vice President Mike Pence and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Source: Washington Post

In fact, the announcement of buying Greenland from Denmark near the Arctic Circle is also a way for President Trump to "stir up" public opinion and test the reactions of all parties to this geostrategic area. On the other hand, Washington wants to use Mr. Mike Pence as a "guest speaker" to Iceland - a country close to Denmark that can both make peace and seek countermeasures to join hands in the race in the Arctic.

It is clear that Mike Pence’s goal is not easy to achieve when Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir “avoided” the meeting with the US Vice President to show support for Denmark. Although the explanation is that he has a speech at the Nordic Trade Union Council, everyone understands that the Icelandic Prime Minister does not want to make things difficult for himself. Therefore, until the Washington administration clarifies its stance on the Greenland issue, the relationship between the US and Denmark as well as Iceland can be improved. This also means that Vice President Mike Pence’s trip to Europe this time will not have many prospects!