NUUK, Greenland - Greenland announced the formation of a new autonomous government on Friday amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Just hours before the arrival of US Vice President JD Vance on the Arctic island, a ceremony was held at the Katuaq Cultural Center in the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk, where four political parties representing 23 of the 31 seats in the parliament signed a coalition agreement to form the new government.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Demokraatit (Democratic Party), will serve as the new prime minister.

Following the announcement, Nielsen emphasized national unity in the face of international pressure. "By now forming a broad coalition, we will ensure that no one in the world should have any doubt that Greenland stands united," he told journalists.

He reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and has no desire to become part of the United States.

The new cabinet includes former Prime Minister Mute Egede, who will now take on the role of minister of finance and taxation. Speaking to the media, Egede said: "We are obliged to lead our country forward with the pressure that is from the outside world right now, and the interest that is in our country."

Vivian Motzfeldt, incoming foreign minister of Greenland's government, told Xinhua that mutual respect must be the basis for any diplomatic engagement. "I believe it's also crucial for us to return to a more normal way of life, especially considering the recent developments in the United States," she said.

"A healthy dialogue requires mutual respect. If we want a meaningful conversation, we must also show respect for the other country. So, for me, it's essential that we establish common ground based on mutual respect," she added.

Aqqalu Jerimiassen, chairman of the Atassut party, underscored the need for national unity in the light of recent provocations. "Right now, I believe the priority is unity - taking care of each other and building cooperation, rather than reacting to provocations, especially those coming from the United States, and particularly from that orange-haired man (US President Donald Trump) who keeps trying to provoke us," he told Xinhua.

In Copenhagen, when Denmark's King Frederik X was asked by local media TV2 to comment on the growing tensions between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland, he confirmed his love for Greenland, saying that "my connection to the Greenlandic people is intact." He also stressed that "we live in a changed reality."

The announcement of the new coalition drew applause from local residents at the Katuaq center. "I hope the new government can speak out on behalf of the people of Greenland," Aviaja Martinsen, a citizen of Nuuk, told Xinhua.

Later that day, Vance and his wife Usha, together with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, arrived in Greenland. Vance delivered a speech at a US military base and received a security briefing on the Arctic situation from US military officials at the Pituffik Space Base.

The timing of Vance's visit has raised eyebrows, following repeated assertions by Donald Trump that the United States wants to take over Greenland. Officials in both Nuuk and Copenhagen view the visit as provocative.

At a Friday press briefing at the White House, Trump reiterated: "We are not talking about peace for the United States. We are talking about world peace. We are talking about international security. And if Denmark and the EU do not understand it, we must explain it to them."

Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.