Germany and France have issued stern warnings to Donald Trump after the incoming U.S. president refused to rule out using military force to acquire Greenland, Denmark’s autonomous territory.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the sanctity of national borders. “The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country, no matter its size or power,” he said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the European Union would not tolerate threats to its sovereign borders.

Their remarks follow Trump’s repeated interest in Greenland, a desire he first voiced during his presidency in 2019. On Tuesday, he reiterated the Arctic island’s importance to U.S. national and economic security, describing it as “critical.”

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who is advocating for independence from Denmark, has made it clear the territory is not for sale. Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States, has also firmly rejected any notion of selling Greenland.

Chancellor Scholz expressed “incomprehension” over Trump’s comments, highlighting the potential strain on NATO. “NATO remains the cornerstone of our defense and transatlantic relations,” he noted.

Barrot, speaking on France Inter radio, downplayed the likelihood of an invasion but warned of a growing global trend toward “survival of the fittest.” He urged Europe to “wake up and build up its strength” in the face of such provocations.

While Germany and France lead the EU, the bloc lacks its own defensive capabilities, relying instead on NATO, of which most member states, including Denmark, Germany, and France, are part.

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, less than two weeks before his second inauguration, Trump refused to rule out military or economic actions to acquire Greenland or even the Panama Canal. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two,” he said in response to a question.

Wildfires are wreaking havoc in Los Angeles suburbs, forcing tens of thousands to abandon their homes amid dramatic scenes of destruction. The fires have spread rapidly, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency across the city.

Three major fires are currently active:

• This upscale neighborhood, home to many celebrities, is battling flames that have already consumed over 3,000 acres.
• A growing fire above Eaton Canyon continues to threaten residential areas.
• A 50-acre fire in the Sylmar suburbs has triggered mandatory evacuations as the flames spread rapidly.

California’s fire agency has issued an urgent warning, highlighting an immediate threat to life in affected areas.

At least 30,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate. Videos depict gridlocked roads, with abandoned vehicles being pushed aside by bulldozers to clear paths for emergency responders.

The wildfires have left tens of thousands without electricity. Approximately 200,000 customers in Los Angeles County and 26,000 in neighboring Ventura County are still affected. Utility providers are working tirelessly to restore power.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has cautioned against price gouging during the crisis, reminding retailers that increasing prices on essentials like shelter, gas, and food by more than 10% is illegal. Offenders face severe penalties, including up to a year in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Residents are urged to report any incidents of price gouging to authorities.

At least 95 people have lost their lives, and 130 others are injured following a powerful earthquake that struck the Shigatse region of Tibet on Tuesday morning. The tremor, recorded at a magnitude of 7.1 by the US Geological Survey, occurred at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).

The earthquake, one of the deadliest in recent years, caused extensive destruction in the region. Neighboring Nepal and parts of India also felt the tremors. Videos aired on China’s state broadcaster CCTV revealed scenes of devastation, with houses and buildings reduced to rubble as rescue workers combed through debris, providing relief to survivors.
Shigatse, one of Tibet’s holiest cities, holds great spiritual significance. It is traditionally the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism. The earthquake’s destruction has added to the challenges faced by the city, which has long been at the heart of Tibetan cultural and political tensions.

Temperatures in Tingri county, close to the epicenter, have plummeted to -8°C (17.6°F) and are expected to drop further to -18°C (0°F) by nightfall. The region, known for its proximity to Mount Everest, has seen disruptions in power and water supplies, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.

Chinese state media reported that over 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, with several strong aftershocks following the initial quake. Rescue teams are working in sub-zero conditions to provide aid, including distributing warm blankets and medical care.

The Tibet region lies along a significant geological fault line, making it prone to earthquakes. While such events are not uncommon, the scale and impact of this earthquake highlight the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.